The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the National Motorists Association recently filed a class-action lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, saying the turnpike’s excessive toll increases have placed an undue burden on interstate commerce.
Some truckers are paying as much as 70 cents per mile more.
The lawsuit also stated the commission is improperly diverting toll revenue to projects unrelated to the turnpike in violation of federal interstate commerce laws.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop the overcharging, the turnpike from borrowing money to help make Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) payments and to prevent PennDOT from the spending revenue from the turnpike. It also asks for PennDOT to refund the turnpike users.
“Truckers and motorists are not ATMs to fund everything under the sun,” Todd Spencer, OOIDA acting president and CEO, said. “The ongoing, economic drain on unsuspecting turnpike users is the epitome of highway robbery.”
Turnpike fees far exceed what is necessary to maintain infrastructure, Spencer said, as well as exceed the value of traveling the turnpike.
In January, the turnpike commission raised rates six percent. Two toll plaza exceptions will increase in April.
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said the turnpike faces financial challenges and toll increases will continue.