Justice calls for delays in turnpike toll increases
Trending
CHARLESTON -- Gov. Jim Justice is hitting the brakes on toll increases for the West Virginia Turnpike originally slated to start today, days after also extending the deadline for drivers to apply for a new turnpike discount.
The West Virginia Parkways Authority held its second emergency meeting in four days to approve delaying toll increases by two weeks to Tuesday, Jan. 15, after Justice issued a statement raising concerns about the increases he asked for in June.
"I have expressed my deep concerns to the West Virginia Parkways Authority regarding potential traffic delays, backups, and safety on the Turnpike as a result of the planned toll increase on January 1, 2019, and the delay in delivering the transponders in a timely manner," Justice said. "I urge the Parkways Authority to take immediate action and consider delaying implementation of the toll increase until these issues are resolved."
Before making the decision, the authority met in executive session to discuss how the two-week delay would affect the purchase of nearly $300 million in bonds the increased tolls were designed to finance. The bonds would be used to fund road infrastructure improvements in 10 southern West Virginia counties.
Had the toll increases gone into effect today as planned, drivers of personal non-commercial vehicles would have paid $4 at each toll station instead of $2.
As part of Justice's recommendations that the authority approved in June, drivers had until yesterday to sign up for the E-Z Pass Single Fee Discount Program.
Drivers who apply for the plan will get three years of unlimited use of the West Virginia Turnpike for $24 plus a one-time fee of $13 for an E-Z Pass transponder.
As yesterday's deadline approached, the authority saw significant web traffic which caused delays in online applications, as well as long lines at the authority's Charleston headquarters. In some cases, applicants will have to wait weeks before receiving their transponder.
On Friday, the authority voted to extend the deadline for the discount plan to Friday, Jan. 11. After that, the cost of the discount plan goes up to $25 per car on a yearly basis.
"All West Virginians should take this opportunity to purchase an E-Z Pass and take advantage of this incredible discount," Justice said. "My thanks go to the Parkways Authority for their swift action to resolve these issues."
Those seeking the discount can contact the parkways authority at 1-800-206-6222 or visit wvturnpike.com to download the application form.