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Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Hike Goes Into Effect
WFMZ-TV.com ^ | 1/4/09 | Jackie Shutack,

Posted on 01/04/2009 8:15:34 PM PST by Dr. Scarpetta

People who use the Pennsylvania Turnpike will now have to shell out more cash for that privilege.

The toll fee for all drivers went up by 25 percent on Sunday, part of a plan that has been a long time in the making.

WFMZ's Jackie Shutack talked to drivers whose ire was raised, along with those tolls.

George Moyer/pittston: (gasps) "6 bucks -- it used to be to go down to Philly, now it's 8, that's ridiculous!"

Luke witts, jr.:quakertown: "It's going to be tough."

Ira goosay/scranton: "I thought the rate they had was pretty high."

Greg strus/quakertown: "We just went to visit my mom in Wilkes Barre - we paid $3.25 coming up, now we're paying $4.10 coming back, it's ridiculous."

Reporter: PennDOT officials explain the toll increase will help pay for repair projects.

Carl defebo/PennDOT: "90% of the monies from this increase, will be used by PennDOT to finance off turnpike road and bridge projects as well as mass transit operations across Pennsylvania."

Reporter: From exit to exit, passenger vehicle drivers will now pay 95 cents instead of 75 cents. Many drivers are now plotting alternate routes in order to avoid shelling out the extra cash.

"I've figured out ways around the turnpike---- to get down to Philly, there aren't too many ways around the turnpike."

Alice jones/maryland: "Probably not use the turnpike as much."


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Pennsylvania
KEYWORDS: taxincrease
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To: Eagles2003

The western section fo the pike is like the western section of the state, just the red headed step child. PA politics and laws are ruled by what’s good for Philly, the rest of the state, particularly the Pittsburgh region is completely hosed.

Laws that are competative for Philly because its a glorified suburb of NYC make Pittsburgh uncompetative because its competing with OH, WV and KY.

Sections of the western turnpike still don’t even have concrete K railes dividing the highway, every so often a semi loses control, crashes through the metal joke of a barrier and kills a few dozen folks going the other direction. But hey, as long as the Philly exchanges get more exit lanes, that’s all that matters.


61 posted on 01/05/2009 8:30:32 AM PST by HamiltonJay
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To: upchuck

30 will get you there, but it will take you a LOT LOT longer.

Believe me, I’ve done it. You can’t compare 70 MPH on an divided uninterrupted highway to driving rt 30 across the state.

Yep, it’ll get you there, and save you the 20 bucks in tolls, but you’ll lose way more than that in time, even if you work for minimum wage.


62 posted on 01/05/2009 8:32:37 AM PST by HamiltonJay
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To: Dr. Scarpetta; Tribune7

Just wait until Fast Eddie and his cronies jump on the mileage tax bandwagon. A government Big Brother GPS in every car...


63 posted on 01/05/2009 11:01:38 AM PST by Born Conservative (Bohicaville: http://bohicaville.wordpress.com/)
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To: upchuck; HamiltonJay

Made that mistake once, now I stay away from 30 coming into Philly. That road is small, full of lights, goes right through major towns, and is not made for long travel.


64 posted on 01/05/2009 12:27:13 PM PST by Claud
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To: Claud

Yep. 76 is the only real east west choice you have in PA if you actually wish to travel long distances and not take forever. The other option is 80, which is not tolled, but is further north and generally in horrific repair and out of the way to most folks end points on their long trips.

Every time tolls go up, you get this outcry, yet every year the turnpike has more traffic than the year before. Short distancers and commuters certainly can go an exit or two without using it, but that’s not the bulk of the Turnpike’s revenue and the state knows it.

I completely agree the turnpikes tolls, if not the, are among the highest in the nation per mile, but I also know that it isn’t going to matter, folks will still use it because it is the absolute best choice to get east and west in a state that is 360 miles across.

Some people will change their travel patterns, but they are more than made up for by new users of the turnpike from general traffic growth. Like it or not, the Turnpike is the east west corridore from the entire NYC,NJ and even DC area to Ohio, and no other route exists that is going to get you there as quickly or conviently.

Avoiding the turnpike can be done, but that “moral” victory will costs you far far more time than the $20 or $30 you will save.


65 posted on 01/05/2009 12:40:21 PM PST by HamiltonJay
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To: yorkie01
This is the change you voted for.

WHat are you talking about????

66 posted on 01/05/2009 1:48:14 PM PST by MadelineZapeezda (Have you girded your loins today??????)
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To: Sicvee
Where is the road cut in your photo?

It is at Sideling Hill.....seee my post #30

67 posted on 01/05/2009 1:49:46 PM PST by MadelineZapeezda (Have you girded your loins today??????)
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To: Dr. Scarpetta
I live in SW Ohio ... if I'm driving back to the east coast I'll be using I-80, or I-68 thru Morgantown, WV. Many more will do the same thing I'm sure.
68 posted on 01/05/2009 2:03:20 PM PST by BluH2o
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To: MadelineZapeezda
Where is the road cut in your photo? It is at Sideling Hill.....seee my post #30

I've been there, thought it looked familiar but I was driving. It looks different in your pic, real different view than from the driver's seat.

69 posted on 01/05/2009 6:05:05 PM PST by Eagles2003
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