FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2019
REMINDER: PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS OCTOBER 3
FOR NEW MDTA TOLLING PROPOSAL
Lower Toll Rates, New Discount and New Payment Option Proposed
BALTIMORE, MD – With a new toll modernization system coming online next year, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is seeking public comment through Thursday on a package of tolling options that would provide cost savings for customers. In July, the MDTA Board voted to seek public comment and hold hearings on the new options after Governor Larry Hogan outlined how this toll relief package could save Marylanders more than $28 million over five years.
The proposal includes a new Pay-by-Plate option, available by June 2020, which would allow tolls to be automatically billed to credit cards at the same rate that cash customers pay. In addition, new vehicle classifications would be available by September 2020, and would provide lower toll rates for motorcycles and vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers, such as those for watercraft or landscaping equipment. A third provision would provide a 15 percent discount for Video Tolling customers who pay before invoices are mailed. That feature would be available by December 2020.
The public comment period began August 1 and will close at 5 p.m. October 3. Nine public hearings were held in September. Customers can go to mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home for complete details about the tolling plan, and to submit comments.
After the initial public comment period closes, a Toll Hearing Final Report will be submitted October 31 for review by the MDTA Board and will be posted online for additional public comment. The Board is scheduled to vote on a final recommendation at its November 21 meeting.
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