In these states that have increased toll roads, have they ever reduced gas taxes? Does the Federal government cut their part of the gas tax? Do they cut the ad valorem taxes and license fees they levy on vehicle owners. Does the Federal government cut the taxes it levies on tires?
Your assumption that I think it’s free or should be free is as absurd as the article line you quote.
Tolls are just another way to tax the business of America and those that actually go out and get to a job and produce something.
Here in Louisiana, $70 million/year is stolen from the gas tax and given to the State Police. Those fat retirements have to be funded somehow.
A state-owned toll road is a government scam.
Tax-loving Maryland raises toll fees on bridges even though there is more than sufficient toll money to pay for their maintenance. You see, there is always another “project” to pay for (ostensibly to provide more services) so there’s no end to the never-ending search for more revenues. Maryland even has a rain tax!
There will never be enough money to satisfy the greed of bureaucrats or their political allies.