Illinois Toll Rate Hike Approved: What You’ll Soon Be Paying

Once again we see that Illinois government is going to do what Illinois government does best. Make things more expensive.

A recent survey of Illinois Tollway users found that affordability was the biggest concern for drivers. So naturally, the Illinois Tollway has responded by approving what is being called the largest passenger-vehicle toll increase in Illinois history.

Because, apparently, nothing says “we heard you” quite like making the toll booth a lot more expensive.

The Tollway Board voted 8-0 Wednesday to approve the massive $26.5 billion, 15-year “Driving Connections” capital program, which will pay for road and bridge reconstruction, interchange improvements, congestion relief and other projects across nearly 300 miles of tollway.

The catch here is that a whole lot of that money is going to come from us.

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It All Starts On January 1st Of Next Year

That's when passenger-vehicle tolls for drivers using I-PASS will increase by 45 cents per toll at the most common mainline toll plazas. Drivers without an I-PASS sticker will see an increase of 90 cents per toll. Commercial vehicle tolls will jump by about 30%.

The Illinois Tollway says this is the first passenger-vehicle toll increase in more than 15 years. For I-PASS users, the average toll is expected to rise from about 7 cents per mile to roughly 11 cents per mile. The Tollway points out that’s still below the national average of about 16 cents per mile (which makes everyone feel good about this, right?).

But here's where things could get really interesting for your wallet: this isn't necessarily a one-and-done increase. Beginning in 2029, toll rates are scheduled to be adjusted every two years based on inflation, meaning today's 45-cent increase could just be the beginning.

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So What Kind Of Costs Are We Talking About For The Average Illinois Commuter?

Illinois Policy Institute estimates that someone going through two tolls a day, five days a week, for 50 weeks a year would spend about $225 more annually under the new rates.

And remember, nearly 1.7 million people use the Illinois Tollway every day, with passenger vehicles accounting for about 87% of those users. The Tollway says the $26.5 billion investment is necessary to keep roads safe, reduce congestion and prepare for the future.

So, Illinois drivers, you've got a little more than four months to enjoy those old toll rates before the largest passenger-vehicle toll increase in Illinois history kicks in.

It's just Illinois doing Illinois things once again.