PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Final approval has been given to a plan that increases toll rates on the Maine Turnpike.
The Maine Turnpike Authority unanimously approved a plan Thursday morning that raises cash toll rates by $1.00 at the York toll, and by 50 cents at both the New Gloucester and West Gardiner tolls. Under the approved plan, E-Z pass users will also see a 7.7% increase, or one cent per mile.
The Turnpike Authority says the toll increases are necessary to raise more than $21 million in revenue annually to pay down debt and to continue to maintain the road.
Executive Director Peter Mills says he doesn't anticipate any more toll increases for several years.
"I suspect that the cash rates will remain the same for a decade or more. That's raw speculation on my part, but I see no reason for those rates to be changing any time soon," Mills said. "The E-Z pass rate could fluctuate over time, but we don't project that it will."
The approved toll hikes are set to take affect on November 1st.
NEWS CENTER