Pa. Turnpike lost millions in unpaid tolls
Auditors reported mixed results from open road tolling.
By ADAM BABETSKI
TribLive
The Pennsylvania Turnpike lost at least $229 million in uncollected or unbillable tolls, according to auditors who found financial problems increased after the highway system fully switched to electronic tolling in 2020.
The findings were part of the first audit of the turnpike’s financial statements since 2022. Auditors also identified several other financial deficiencies as the agency continues to grapple with billions of dollars in debt.
According to the report, the turnpike was struggling to raise revenue to pay PennDOT to provide funding for roads, bridges and transit statewide as required by Act 44, which began in 2007.
The turnpike commission is raising tolls by 3.5% in 2027 and 3% annually from 2028 through 2055.
The $229 million in uncollected or unbillable tolls accumulated between June 2024 and May 2025.
“Rising tolls could lead motorists to seek alternate routes, which would negatively impact the commission’s revenues and jeopardize its ability to raise funds,” the report said.
Auditors reported mixed results from the turnpike’s gradual implementation of open road tolling be- ginning last January, which “aligned the turnpike with the industry standards” by basing tolls on the number of vehicle axles and vehicle height, along with flat per-mile rates and a fixed gantry fee.
But while open tolling was supposed to be revenue-neutral, the report found some passenger vehicles paid as much as $4.14 more for their trips.
“This larger increase is due in part to the motorist traveling more miles through more gantries (and) interchanges on the turnpike, which results in a higher per-mile charge and multiple gantry fees,” the report said.
Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released 19 suggestions “to improve the financial status of the turnpike and collect the money it is owed.”
His suggestions included making it easier for travelers to pay toll bills through online platforms like Venmo and Cash App and finding ways to impact travelers’ credit scores for not paying bills.
DeFoor called for a “task force” to develop legislation aimed at reducing the turnpike’s debt. The turnpike reported last year that it carried $16 billion in debt, split between Act 44 payments and various construction projects.
“The fact remains, the turnpike commission didn’t get into this situation alone, and the legislature and Governor need to help improve its financial viability,” DeFoor said.
