Read between lines when comparing tolls

The article showing Illinois tollway per-mile charges lower than those of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts was misleading. The Illinois toll roads serve a small part of the state in a single metropolitan area. I’d bet that the majority of tolls are paid by Illinois residents. All the other toll roads serve an entire state and offer a convenience to long distance travelers. I’d bet that in the other states the majority of tolls are paid by nonresidents.

In addition, residents of some suburbs can’t reasonably get into Chicago without paying a toll.

Lastly, politicians promised free access to toll roads after the initial bonds were retired. So, it is logical that Illinois tolls are relatively lower.

Robert A. Zimmer

Palatine