Delaware County drivers once again have to dig deeper into their pockets after the latest Pennsylvania Turnpike toll hikes took effect on Sunday, writes Patricia Madej for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The increase, approved by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in July, adds 6 percent for E-ZPass and “Toll By Plate” users. “Toll By Plate” is a cashless system that charges drivers after their license plates have been scanned by cameras.

In addition to the overall increase, “Toll By Plate” users have to pay the increase of a whopping 45 percent.  This is intended to absorb the higher cost associated with the cashless tolling system.

Also, now E-ZPass users have to pay $1.60, a 10 cent increase, while “Toll By Plate” users have to pay $3.90, a $1.40 increase.

The latter will be able to set up their turnpike smartphone app with an autopay account that can save them 15 percent on monthly payments.

“Given the significantly higher rates now associated with the “Toll by Plate” option, we wanted to offer an alternative that would provide a measure of relief for travelers,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.

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