Maryland Tolls Going Down, But Gas Tax Going Up
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Driving in Maryland just got cheaper. For the first time in 50 years, tolls are going down. The reductions---announced by Governor Larry Hogan last month---took effect Wednesday.
Meghan McCorkell has more on what that means for drivers.
The toll rollbacks are expected to save drivers $54 million a year.
From the Bay Bridge to the Fort McHenry tunnel to the ICC, toll rates at roads, bridges and tunnels statewide are going down.
Governor Hogan announced the rollbacks last month, saying it's time to help families keep more of their money.
Starting Wednesday, the toll on the Bay Bridge drops from $6 to $4, the EZ-Pass discount statewide goes up to 25% from 10% and maintenance fees for EZ-Pass are gone.
At the Fort McHenry tunnel, an EZ-Pass user will have a savings of 60 cents one way. A work week commuter will save $6 and over a year, that will add up to hundreds.
"This is the first time in 50 years that we're seeing toll reductions so it's pretty unprecedented," said MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner.
The savings are especially beneficial to those that have EZ-Pass. Gartner says the rollbacks come just in time, as drivers head out to the beach for the holiday weekend.
"For this weekend in Maryland, we're projecting...it's $1.2 million in savings collectively," he said.
Many of the extra discounts are only seen with an EZ-Pass. That's why state officials hope more people decide to use them.
The governor projects the rollbacks will save drivers $270 million over the next five years.
