‘It never stops’: Some drivers skeptical of need for hefty toll hikes as decision looms

With Illinois tollway board directors teed up to vote on a rate hike Wednesday, what do local drivers think about the proposal?

“It’s ridiculous,” said Peter Kass, who was stopping at the O’Hare Oasis Tuesday. “My biggest issue with all taxes, all the things they raise — is that it never stops. So they get a vote on a small increase, and 20 years later, how much are we paying?”

If approved, I-PASS passenger vehicle tolls would be raised from on average 7 cents per mile to 11 cents, or 57% more, and truckers would see a 30% jump in 2027.

In addition, inflation-related hikes tied to the Consumer Price Index would be levied every two years beginning in 2029.

Of nearly 20 motorists interviewed by the Daily Herald at the oasis Tuesday, 53% opposed the increase, 12% supported it, and 35% either lived out of state or had no comment.

The increases are necessary to fund the agency’s new 15-year, $26.5 billion Driving Connections capital program, tollway leaders contend.

Driving Connections includes more than $14.6 billion for toll road reconstruction and rehab, nearly $3.36 billion for interchange upgrades and about $880 million for widening.

Tollway executives have promised the initiative will reduce gridlock, improve mobility, and generate economic development with subsequent jobs.

But drivers pumping pricey gas near O’Hare noted rising costs already are cutting into their bottom line.

“I think, as hard as things are today, we should get some type of slack,” consumer Quisha Franklin said. “Sometimes, they raise things for the sake of raising them because they can. Especially on things that they know people have to use.”

One businessman predicted the toll spike would increase the price of goods transported by truck for consumers.

However, driver Alex Pavel thinks the tollway’s rates are reasonable in comparison to other systems. “I’m cool with raising the price; their roads are beautiful,” he said.

Others were dubious about the tangible benefits of the hike and some voiced concerns about previous patronage controversies at the tollway and other state agencies.

“I would be in support of it if I knew that the money would go for what it’s intended for — for keeping up the roads and for maintenance,” said driver Matthew Luecke.

“Given the history of what I know of the tollway and Illinois politics, I can’t be certain that that’s what it’s going to go for,” he said. “And obviously, anybody would not like to pay more money for tolls.”

Armando Guzman was shocked at the nearly 60% increase for I-PASS users. “That’s no good. But what are you going to do?” he asked.

Tollway officials have pointed out that rates for passenger vehicles have not been raised since 2012.

mpyke@dailyherald.com