Gov. Hogan Unveils Widespread Cuts in Maryland Tolls Worth $54 Million a Year

AASHTO Journal, 8 May 2015

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced a wide-ranging set of toll reductions for the state’s highways, tunnels and bridges, saying they would save consumers a total of $54 million a year for the next five years.

The governor said this was “our largest tax relief package to date and marks the first time tolls have been lowered in Maryland in nearly 50 years.” Over five years, he said the toll rollbacks will put more than a quarter-billion dollars “back into the pockets of our beleaguered Maryland taxpayers, and back into our economy.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority Board approved the Hogan-sought actions that cut toll rates across the state, increase Maryland’s E-ZPass discounts and eliminate a monthly $1.50 E-ZPass account fee.

MDTA Chairman and Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn said: “I have thoroughly reviewed the toll-reduction plan, and I’m confident the MDTA will continue to maintain its sound financial footing and commitment to safety and quality services.”

Hogan, who took office in January, had urged the General Assembly to roll back scheduled automatic increases in the state’s motor fuel charges, but lawmakers did not take that action. However, the Washington Post reported that Hogan said he could reduce the tolls without legislative action.

The announcement also said the MDTA would make up the cost of the toll cuts “in efficiencies in MDTA’s capital and operating budgets that will allow the agency to meet its financial responsibilities and implement the governor’s toll rollback.”

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