Sound Off On Hogan's Toll Savings Plan Ahead Of More Toll Lanes

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland drivers can now share their thoughts on possible changes to toll payments proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan. Cheaper rates for a few vehicles or payment methods would roll out in the next couple of years if approved, 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 on July 25 agreed to take public input and hold hearings on the 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.

Starting Aug. 1, Maryland drivers can comment on the proposal:

• Visit mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home to submit comments online.
• Visit mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home to download a comment card to be mailed.
• Attend one of nine public hearings that will be held in September in Harford, Cecil, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s, Prince George’s, Charles and Montgomery counties and in Baltimore City to give public testimony, private testimony or written comments. Dates, times and locations will be announced soon.

More information about the toll changes can be found at mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home. Public comments will be taken until 5 p.m. Oct. 3.

A report on the proposed changes will be submitted Oct. 31 to the MDTA Board and will be posted online for additional public comment. The board is scheduled to vote on a final recommendation at its Nov. 21 meeting.

"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 last month. "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.