Maryland Toll Changes Supported By Most Drivers: Report

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The last public hearing regarding Maryland tolls has wrapped up, revealing that state drivers support lowering tolls for motorcycles and small vehicles, and approve of the new Pay-by- Invoice (Video Toll) early payment discount. A final proposal will be presented Oct. 24 to the state transportation board. An additional public comment period on the final proposal will open Oct. 24 and comments will be accepted through Nov. 7. The board will vote on a final recommendation at its Nov. 21 meeting in Baltimore.

Only 39 elected officials commented on the Maryland Transportation Authority proposal from both state and county government levels. Out of the total 287 comments received, 167 respondents voiced their opinion about lowering tolls for motorcycles and small vehicles with 93 percent of the respondents supporting the measure.

“As a motorcyclist, I fully support a reduction in motorcycle tolls, being that motorcycles cause far less wear and tear on roadways, take up less space on the road and are far more fuel efficient," one resident commented.

The cheaper rates for a few vehicles or payment methods would roll out in the next couple of years, and follow controversy over Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to widen the Beltway and Interstate 270 two lanes in each direction with private firms that would finance, build and maintain the new lanes in exchange for the authority to charge tolls over the next 50 or more years.

A new pay-by-plate option that should be in effect by June 2020 would allow tolls to be automatically billed to credit cards at the same rate as cash customers, saving $28 million for drivers, the governor's office said.

Another discount would come from new vehicle classifications by September 2020, which would institute lower toll rates for motorcycles and for vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers, such fishing boats or landscaping equipment. Allowing video toll customers to pay before invoices are mailed would also be discounted by December 2020.

Out of the total 287 comments received, 62 respondents commented on the new Pay-by- Invoice (Video Toll) early payment discount option with 76 percent supporting the new tolling option.

“I like the idea of paying in advance for my toll and not having a need to receive an invoice sent to me in the mail," one person commented.

View the full report online.

See More:

• Bay Bridge Traffic Jams Prompt MDTA Toll Changes
• No More Cash: Maryland Tolls Changing To Electronic Only
• Hogan Touts Toll Savings Ahead Of New Toll Lane Construction
• Public Hearings Set For Maryland Toll Savings Plan
• EZ Pass Maryland Transponders Are Now Free: Gov. Hogan