PA Turnpike sign in King of Prussia (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
Pennsylvania Turnpike drivers began the new year with a 4 percent toll increase, which marks the smallest rate hike for the system in over a decade.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the new toll hike that took effect Jan. 4 represents the lowest increase since 2014.
Officials noted that the commission is beginning to scale back the size of annual increases.
On the main branch of the Turnpike and the Northeast Extension, where tolls are calculated by distance, the per-mile rate rose from 7 cents to 7.3 cents. The segment fee on those routes also increased from $1.09 to $1.13. All other extensions saw a flat 4% increase over 2025 rates.
For passenger vehicles, the most common toll across the system is now $1.94 for E-ZPass users, up from $1.86.
Drivers using the Toll-By-Plate system will see that same trip increase from $3.72 to $3.88.
The cost for the most common tractor-trailer trip jumped to $24.12 for E-ZPass customers and $48.24 for Toll-By-Plate.
Commission data shows that E-ZPass remains the main method used by drivers and accounts for 85 percent of all Turnpike trips.
The remaining 15 percent of travelers use the Toll-By-Plate system.
E-ZPass users continue to pay 50 percent less than those without a transponder, but Toll By Plate customers can receive a 15 percent discount on monthly invoices by using the PA TOLL PAY smartphone app and setting up autopay, according to the commission.
Officials stated the revenue from this year’s increase is dedicated entirely to repaying debt service related to Act 44.
Passed in 2007 and amended in 2013, the law required the commission to fund statewide transportation projects outside of turnpike operations to avoid tax increases.
Since 2008, the commission has transferred more than $8 billion to the state government.
While the annual obligation was reduced from $450 million to $50 million in 2022, the commission has to continue to pay down the debt during the 15-year period of higher payments.
The 2026 toll increase is part of a long-term financial plan that projects even smaller increases in the coming years.
Tolls are scheduled to rise by 3.5% in 2027 and 3% in 2028, according to the commission.
Prior to Act 44, the commission raised Turnpike tolls only five times in 64 years.
Travelers can use the Turnpike’s online toll calculator to view costs based on vehicle class and entry points before starting their trip.
