Sedan driving down center lane with sunset orange glow and stern toll booth attendant standing near toll plaza.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Raises Tolls 4% for 18th Straight Year

> At a Glance

> – 4% toll hike on Jan. 4, 2026

> – Lowest increase since 2014

> – Rates rise to $0.73 per mile

> – Why it matters: Drivers will pay more on the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Pennsylvania Turnpike toll booth sign displaying INCREASE with cracked pavement and worn road signs.

For the 18th consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is set to raise tolls, marking the smallest hike in over a decade. The 4% increase will take effect on Jan. 4, 2026 and is tied to the state’s debt obligations under Act 44.

What the Increase Means

The commission says the hike will fund repairs and maintenance across Pennsylvania’s roadways, as mandated by Act 44, which requires an annual contribution of $450 million. This funding is intended to address infrastructure needs while meeting long-term debt commitments.

  • Fund repairs and maintenance statewide
  • Meet Act 44 debt obligations
  • Keep tolls raised through 2051

Detailed Toll Changes

Tolls along the mainline and the Northeast Extension will climb from 7 cents per mile to 73 cents, while segment fees rise from $1.09 to $1.13.

Toll Type Before After
Per mile 73¢
Segment fee $1.09 $1.13

Other routes will see a 4% increase on existing trips, with rates rounded to the nearest cent. Passenger vehicles will pay $1.86 to $1.94 (E-ZPass) or $3.72 to $3.88 (Toll By Plate). A Class-5 tractor-trailer will pay $23.16 to $24.12 (E-ZPass) or $46.32 to $48.24 (Toll By Plate).

Future Outlook

The commission projects additional hikes of 3.5% in 2027 and 3% in 2028, with continued increases required through 2051 to cover debt incurred from 2007-22. Travelers should anticipate higher costs in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

  • Tolls rise 4% on Jan. 4, 2026, lowest since 2014
  • Rates increase to $0.73 per mile and $1.13 segment fee
  • Future hikes: 3.5% in 2027, 3% in 2028, and ongoing through 2051

Drivers planning trips on the Turnpike should factor the new rates into their budgets and consider pre-paying or using E-ZPass to save on the higher fees.

Author

  • I’m Sarah L. Montgomery, a political and government affairs journalist with a strong focus on public policy, elections, and institutional accountability.

    Sarah L. Montgomery is a Senior Correspondent for News of Philadelphia, covering city government, housing policy, and neighborhood development. A Temple journalism graduate, she’s known for investigative reporting that turns public records and data into real-world impact for Philadelphia communities.

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