Tolls Increase Along Pennsylvania Turnpike
by Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will cost motorists a little more this week than last, as a toll increase took effect on Sunday.
"This is all about making sure we are able to pay our bills," said PA Turnpiked Commission spokesman Carl DeFebo.
He says the 6% increase helps fund long-term widening projects as well as daily maintenence.
The commission is also required by law to hand over some toll cash to mass transit agencies throughout the state.
"Our customers are helping to provide operating budget funding for SEPTA, which to help keep SEPTA fares low," said DeFebo.
Eric from Elizabethtown uses the turnpike four days a week and he's tired of toll hikes.
"I don't think all the widening and all the improvements they've been doing are necessary, especially in all the wide open areas they're doing it," he said.
To that, DeFebo responds:
"These sections of roadway have to last 50 years or more. We have to plan for the future."