The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s 2026 toll schedule took effect Jan. 4.

The approved toll schedule includes a 4% increase, the lowest rate increase since 2014.

As in previous years, the increase will be used entirely to repay Act 44 debt service.

In lieu of raising taxes for transportation, Act 44 of 2007, which was amended by Act 89 in 2013, obligated the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to assist in funding statewide ground transportation beyond Pennsylvania Turnpike operations. Since 2008, the commission has provided more than $8 billion to the commonwealth for this purpose.

On Pennsylvania Turnpike mainline and the Northeast Extension, where tolls are calculated per segment and distance traveled, the Act 44 increase moves the per-mile rate from $.07 to $.073 and the segment fee from $1.09 to $1.13.

On all other extensions, where the tolling infrastructure doesn’t support a per-segment and distance traveled rate, the Act 44 increase will be a straight 4% increase to existing trips.

Toll rates round up to the nearest penny.

In 2026, the most-common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.86 to $1.94 for E-ZPass customers and from $3.72 to $3.88 for Toll By Plate customers.

The most-common toll for a Class-5 tractor trailer will increase from $23.16 to $24.12 for E-ZPass and from $46.32 to $48.24 for Toll By Plate.

Since Act 44 went into effect nearly two decades ago, the Commission has maintained its toll increase schedule in accordance with the Act 44 Financial Plan.

In 2027, toll increases will drop to 3.5% and to 3% by 2028.

Prior to Act 44, the Pennsylvania Turnpike only raised tolls five times in 64 years.

Despite the $8 billion imposed debt of Act 44, the PA Turnpike’s E-ZPass passenger toll rates are below the national average compared to other U.S. toll roads, bridges and tunnels.

E-ZPass customers receive the lowest toll rates, saving 50% compared to Toll By Plate rates.

Non-E-ZPass customers still have opportunities to save.

Downloading the PA TOLL PAY smartphone app and creating an autopay account earns a 15% discount on monthly Toll By Plate invoices. 

Travelers can also pre-plan travel expenses using the PA Turnpike’s online toll calculator.

It factors system entry and exit points, vehicle class and payment method (E-ZPass or Toll By Plate) and highlights the cost difference.