Turnpike Tolls to Increase in 2013

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently announced toll increases for 2013.

Starting Jan. 6, drivers will see a 10 percent increase if paying cash, or 2 percent if paying through an E-ZPass account.

The new rates are projected to bring in 3 percent more revenue and nudge drivers toward the E-ZPass system. Drivers paying electronically with E-ZPass will pay 25 percent less than those who pay in cash, up from 17 percent in 2012, and the annual fee will drop from $6 to $3 for noncommercial customers.

"Implementing this toll increase generates the needed revenue to satisfy our annual transportation-funding obligation of $450 million to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, while at the same time helping to boost enrollment in E-ZPass, which has been a longtime commission priority," Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission chief Roger E. Nutt said in a statement.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission raised cash tolls 10 percent but . 

The commission is also encouraging drivers to enroll in its electronic payment system by adding E-ZPass-only interchanges, like in East Whiteland Township, Chester County.

According to commission spokeswoman Mimi Doyle, there are all-electronic interchanges already open in Fort Washington and Bensalem with yet another planned for the Poconos region of the Northeast Extension.