KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced plans to switch to Open Road Tolling (ORT) east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension in January 2025. This move caps a 15-year transition aimed at enhancing travel convenience and safety.
ORT charges tolls electronically. Drivers pass under overhead structures, called gantries, at highway speeds without stopping. The gantries process E-ZPass or Toll-By-Plate transactions. “The advent of Open Road Tolling will advance safety and allow for the safe movement of vehicle traffic across our network,” said PA Turnpike Chairman and PennDOT Secretary Michael Carroll.
The new system simplifies travel. Beyond mounting an E-ZPass transponder, drivers need to do nothing different. “In January, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission solidifies itself once again as a national leader in transportation when we bring the future of toll collection to Pennsylvania,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
In March 2020, the Turnpike shifted from a hybrid tolling model to All-Electronic Tolling. ORT ensures “America’s First Superhighway” continues its legacy. “Open Road Tolling is the most significant innovation for our customers, our employees, our roadway, and the Commonwealth in our 85-year history,” said Compton.
ORT also offers economic benefits. It allows for new access points at lower costs, promoting economic development like around the Route 29 interchange. It supports tourism, recreation, and freight movement, boosting local economies.
Construction of a new fiber optic network will support ORT operations and extend high-speed connectivity to underserved communities. ORT removes traditional toll booths, enhancing sight lines and reducing stress for drivers. “We’ve already seen a significant reduction of accidents at locations where we’ve transitioned from traditional toll plazas,” said PA Turnpike COO Craig Shuey.
Non-stop travel means lower emissions and fuel use. The transition to cashless tolling in 2020 cut CO2 emissions by 45%. ORT is expected to reduce emissions by another 7% by 2030. Removing toll booths will also restore green spaces along the roadway.
The Turnpike will start removing toll plazas in the east in 2025, with ORT operational west of Reading by early 2027. A 5% toll increase was approved to manage debt repayment, with a new toll schedule effective January 2025. The system will shift to a per-mile rate and adopt a new vehicle classification system based on axle and height.
The Turnpike has invested over $600 million in planning and construction for ORT. This investment is expected to save at least $25 million annually in maintenance and operating costs. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, the second-largest toll facility in the U.S., supports 550,000 daily customers with 24-7 roadside assistance and a dedicated workforce of 1,400 employees.
The transition to ORT marks a significant step forward in modernizing toll collection, ensuring smoother, safer, and more efficient travel across Pennsylvania.
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