Turnpike Authority unveils new toll plan

PORTLAND – A new toll plan recommended to the Maine Turnpike Authority board would hike the cost of commuter passes by 41 percent. And fares paid by truckers would increase by 31 percent to 40 percent.

Friday’s recommendation, worth $13.6 million annually, could come up for board action next month. New funding would pay for capital improvements along the 109-mile turnpike over five years.

Under the plan, cash fares for cars would go up by about 20 percent in February 2005. There would be increases of 25 cents at the toll plazas in York, New Gloucester and West Gardiner. Elsewhere, toll hikes would be 10 cents.

The turnpike authority’s staff made its recommendation after an extended review. In April, higher tolls during the summer tourist season were rejected.