Trucking groups are frustrated with toll hikes in Northeast states this year, having to pass costs on to customers. Gail Toth of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association said, “Trucking companies just pass along the increase.” PANYNJ’s tolls increased by $1 for autos and $57-$138 for trucks with 3-6 axles. The highest South Jersey Transportation Authority tolls are $8.87-$19.70 for 3-6 axles.
Toth noted that rising regional tolls have been common for a decade, and noted that toll dollars shouldn’t be used for other projects. Kendra Hems, President of the Trucking Association of New York, addressed the impact of the PANYNJ toll increases on members, noting that they incorporate it into the cost of doing business, and it ties into their concerns about the proposed congestion tolling in New York City.
Tolls Take a Toll on Customers
Trucks are already paying between $87 and $115 to cross into [New York City], and there is a proposal to add an additional $82 toll. PMTA is seeking an exemption or credit against the toll, while the PA Turnpike raised tolls 5% this year to fund capital improvements. Rebecca Oyler, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, noted that these costs make the state uncompetitive for trucking businesses and raise the price of goods for everyone. The Turnpike Commission has turned over $450 million a year to PennDOT since 2007, resulting in a $13.2 billion debt obligation and continued toll increases. PMTA believes the lesson to be learned is to beware of diversions of highway funds intended for roads.
Driver Surveys
Turnpike officials are interested in hearing from truckers. “We have begun to regularly survey our commercial trucking customers to better understand their needs and concerns,” said Rosanne Placey, turnpike manager of communications and marketing. “Truckers typically offset concerns about tolls by saying the savings in time and fuel outweigh the cost.”
Last year, toll rates for a five-axle commercial vehicle (weight Class 6) were about 52 cents per mile for E-ZPass and $1.06 per mile for video transactions for a through-trip on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Mainline. Oyler said, “The trucking industry has no problem paying its fair share for roads, but when taxes aren’t spent on maintenance, it leads to runaway tolls that have no connection to the service.” This should be a lesson policymakers take to heart when discussing future transportation funding models.
Sources:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trucking-groups-not-pleased-toll-hikes-northeast-states
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