BALTIMORE — The Maryland Transportation Authority Board wants to hear the public's opinion on a package of toll payment options that would save Maryland residents more than $28 million over five years.
“We’re making this technology work for Marylanders, saving our families money and time and providing the best possible service to our customers,” said MDTA Chairman and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Pete K. Rahn.
The proposed payment options are part of a toll modernization system coming online in 2020. The proposals include:
• Pay By Plate: This new payment method allows tolls to be automatically billed to credit cards at the same rate that cash customers pay today. For the all-electronic Intercounty Connector/MD 200 and I-95 Express Toll Lanes, customers who use this method will pay 20 percent less than the Video Toll rate. Pay By Plate benefits infrequent toll customers as well as those who do not want to maintain a prepaid E-ZPass balance. This option would be available by June 2020.
• New vehicle classes with lower rates: Toll rates would be reduced 50 percent for motorcycles and would be cut 25 and 17 percent, respectively, for “light” vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers, such as those used for watercraft or landscaping equipment. These new categories would take effect by September 2020.
• Discount for Early Payment of Video Tolls: A 15 percent discount for Video Tolling customers who pay the toll before their invoices are mailed would take effect by December 2020. Since MDTA won’t have to send out a bill, the agency can pass these savings on to the customer.
The public comment period begins Aug. 1 and will close Oct. 3 for the new tolling options proposed during the MDTA Board’s monthly meeting. Customers can visit mdta.maryland.gov to submit comments online regarding the new toll payment proposals or can download a comment card to be mailed. The Board is scheduled to vote on a final recommendation at its Nov. 21 meeting.
