The Maryland Transportation Authority is considering a range of new tolling options that could save state residents more than $28 million over the next five years – achieved by a new “pay-by-plate” option, expected to be in effect by June 2020, which will allow tolls to be automatically billed to credit cards at the same rate as cash customers.
[Above: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. Photo by the Governor’s Office.]
The agency also expects to implement new vehicle classifications by September 2020 that will lower toll rates for motorcycles and for vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers, such as those for fishing boats or landscaping equipment. Another proposal – expected to be in effect by December 2020 – would allow video tolling customers to pay before invoices are mailed and get a discount for doing so.
“We are proud to once again deliver historic toll relief for our citizens,” noted Governor Larry Hogan (R) during a July 16 press conference. “With this action, we will be delivering on three rounds of toll relief in less than five years.”
The previous toll reduction efforts Gov. Hogan referenced include a 2015 toll fee rollback initiative expected to save state residents $270 million by 2020, along with a plan started last year that provided Maryland drivers with free E-ZPass transponders, saving them $46 million over five years.
Taken together, all three efforts will result in a total of up to $344 million in toll-related savings, the governor noted.
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