The Maine Turnpike Authority Board unanimously approved a plan to raise an additional $21.14 million in toll revenue to continue a 30-year plan to maintain and rehabilitate the MTA’s network of bridges, interchanges and pavement as well as pay off existing debt. The new toll structure went into effect November 1, 2012.
To read the toll increase order and findings adopted on August 16, 2012, click here.
Toll Setting Decision
As a result of staff studies and evaluation, six public hearings, review of numerous public communications and open deliberations on July 19, August 2 and August 16, 2012, the Board of the Maine Turnpike Authority makes the following changes to the Turnpike's toll structure to take effect on November 1, 2012:
- Raise the Class 1 cash toll at York by $1 from $2 to $3.
- Raise the Class 1 cash toll at New Gloucester by 50¢ from $1.75 to $2.25.
- Raise the Class 1 cash toll on the mainline at West Gardiner by 50¢ from $1.25 to $1.75.
- Raise the Class 1 side tolls at the Wells northbound and Gray southbound entrances by 50¢ from $1 to $1.50.
- Raise the Class 1 E-ZPass electronic standard toll rate per mile from 6.7¢ to 7.7¢ while preserving the 50¢ minimum toll and capping each E-ZPass charge at the cash charge applicable to the same movement.
- Preserve the current multipliers for Classes 2 through 8 and the current discount system for commercial users.
- Replace the commuter discount with a volume based monthly discount to provide for each Class 1 account holder.
Each Class 1 account will be limited to 4 transponders and 4 license plates for purposes of calculating a discount.
For information on the changes to the commuter program plan click here.
What has the Turnpike done to minimize the need for a toll increase?
The Turnpike has taken several steps to better manage operating costs to ensure that your tolls are invested appropriately and effectively. Those steps include staff reductions and changes in procurement practices. The Turnpike’s most recent budget reduced operating costs by over 11%. The MTA has also reduced debt service payments by $13.6 million by refinancing outstanding debt.
What immediate projects are included in the 30-year plan?
During the next 5 years, revenue will enable the MTA to conduct:
• $113 million in bridge repairs & rehabilitation
• $82 million for Turnpike paving and interchange improvements
The MTA will also apply $192 million to debt service between 2013 & 2017
How do toll rates on the Maine Turnpike compare to other toll roads around the country?
At a full length cash price of 4.9 cents per mile, the Maine Turnpike is currently the 13th lowest among 104 toll roads for passenger cars. Even after a toll adjustment the Turnpike will remain among the lowest priced toll roads in the U.S.
Were public meetings held?
Yes. Six public meetings were held. These meetings were held at:
Auburn City Hall on June 19, 6:30 p.m.
Portland City Hall on June 20, 6:30 p.m.
Saco City Hall on June 21, 6:30 p.m.
York American Leigion Hall on July 9, 6:30 p.m.
Wells High School on July 11, 6:30 p.m.
Gardiner Boys & Girls Club on July 16, 6:30 p.m.
For a copy of additional handouts provided at the public meetings
click here.
A compliation of the public comments recieved at the public meetings is available
here.
Additional Resources
Maine Turnpike Board Gives Final Approval to Raise Tolls. Press release from August 16, 2012.
Current vs Proposed Cash Rate Increases - Class 1 Vehicles.
Current vs Proposed E-ZPass Rate Increases - Class 1 Vehicles.
E-ZPass Terms and Conditions - Updated October 2012.
For more information about how you can save with E-ZPass, click on the logo below.
