Turnpike Tolls Could Increase
Sunday July 12, 2009
It soon may get more expensive to travel on Oklahoma turnpikes, and this time it has nothing to do with gas prices. Facing an expected budget shortfall of $21 million, members of the Oklahoma State Turnpike Authority will meet this Wednesday to consider increasing tolls on the state's 10 turnpikes.
The increase would likely range between 10 and 25 percent, spokesman Jack Damrill told the Oklahoman, an average hike of 16 percent that could, for example, see a Turner Turnpike jaunt from OKC to Tulsa go from $3.50 to $4.00. Those with a Pikepass pay a bit less.
Though traffic has increased on the "urban" turnpikes such as the Kilpatrick in OKC, a significant decline in commercial trucking elsewhere is to blame for the shortfall. If approved, this would be the first toll increase since one of a similar amount in 2001.
The increase would likely range between 10 and 25 percent, spokesman Jack Damrill told the Oklahoman, an average hike of 16 percent that could, for example, see a Turner Turnpike jaunt from OKC to Tulsa go from $3.50 to $4.00. Those with a Pikepass pay a bit less.
Though traffic has increased on the "urban" turnpikes such as the Kilpatrick in OKC, a significant decline in commercial trucking elsewhere is to blame for the shortfall. If approved, this would be the first toll increase since one of a similar amount in 2001.
Comments
It amazes me that when these roads where first built, we would told that the toll would only last til the project was paid for. When will that be? Ya right!
with the lottery, why do we even have to pay a toll to use this road? I thought that the lottery was for roads and education? I put money in that basket last month and it didn’t work and I got a ticket, what is with this toll road anyway? I am never using it again! I know my way around the road and I only use it for going to the Dr. anyway, so I will take a different route.
I have found from Chickasha to OKC it is just as easy to go thru Blanchard. The toll is an unfair tax.
it was suppose too be free after it was paid and its been paid for 1000 times over.alot of greedy people getting there pockets lined so it will never be free