Hogan Touts Toll Savings Ahead Of New Toll Lane Construction

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Some Maryland drivers could pay less on tolls under proposed discounts announced July 19 by Gov. Larry Hogan. The cheaper rates for a few vehicles or payment methods would roll out in the next couple of years, and follow controversy over 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.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Board will consider new toll options that Hogan's office said will save Marylanders more than $28 million over the next five years. This would be the third round of toll cuts during his tenure. Total savings of up to $344 million is estimated for the changes, Hogan said.

"We are proud to once again deliver historic toll relief for our citizens by putting another $28 million back into the pockets of hardworking Marylanders," Hogan said in a press release. "In 2015, we cut tolls at every single facility in the state–the first time tolls had been cut in 50 years. With this next action, we will be delivering on three rounds of toll relief in less than five 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.

The MDTA Board is expected to consider on July 25 whether to take public input and hold hearings on the proposed toll changes.