Maryland to increase truck tolls

The Maryland Transportation Authority last week approved a toll increase for commercial trucks as part of a plan to raise $60 million per year to cover operating costs for the highway system.

   Truckers will face an increase of $3 to $13 at the state’s seven bridge and highway toll facilities, effective May 1.

   The agency said the increase is necessary so that heavy vehicles bear their fair share of maintaining toll facilities. Vehicles with three or more axles provide 32 percent of the MTA's revenue, but account for 36 percent of its costs.

   The self-sufficient MTA experienced a 6 percent decline in revenue from July to November 2008 as drivers and shippers reduce their activity due to the slow economy. It has deferred $200 million in capitol projects, including a comfort station for truckers at the Interstate 95 inspection station in Perryville and upgraded lighting in the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel.

   Truckers will benefit from some volume discounts and rebates.

   Other parts of the revenue plan include implementing a $1.50 per month service charges for E-ZPass accounts to help recover costs for processing automated toll payments.

Source: American Shipper