Illinois drivers are being hit with the largest tollway hike in state history — a 45‑cent increase per passenger toll, pushing the average cost to $1.24 and raising commercial tolls by up to 30%. This comes at a time when the Illinois Tollway is already collecting record revenue, even exceeding what it needs to operate and maintain the system year after year. The hike is designed to feed a massive $26.5 billion capital plan, despite decades of promises that tolls would eventually disappear and despite drivers already having paid more than $27 billion into the system since its creation.
What makes this hike outrageous is how disconnected it is from reality. The tollway is taking in more money than ever, yet instead of easing the burden on families, it’s layering on new costs — including a built‑in escalator tied to inflation starting in 2029. This means tolls will rise automatically every two years, up to 4% annually, without any future vote or accountability. Everyday Illinoisans will pay more not just to commute, but also through higher prices on goods transported by truckers who will face steep commercial toll increases.
You can push back. The tollway board — appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker — is required by law to hold public meetings in every affected county before voting. Residents can attend these July meetings, speak directly to the board, and demand they reject the hike. You can also submit written opposition through the tollway’s public feedback portal. When revenues are at all‑time highs, taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to bankroll the largest toll increase in state history. Showing up, speaking out, and submitting formal objections is how Illinoisans can rebuke this unnecessary and unjustified toll hike.
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Illinois Tollway seeks feedback on proposed rate hike
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https://www.illinoispolicy.org/stop-the-toll-hike/
