PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - This week the Maine Turnpike Authority is sending out notices to customers about changes in its toll structure that take effect on November 1st.
Those changes include the end of the commuter pass that gave motorists who got on and off the highway at the same locations a discounted flat fee.
The new system bases discounts on the frequency a motorist uses the turnpike. Under the plan commuter pass holders will see their rates jump up significantly, in some cases more than doubling.
Kerry Corthell of Scarborough uses the commuter pass to travel just 3 exits. She will see her costs double, from 31 -dollars every 3-months to more than 60-bucks.
"It's going to be heavy increases during one of the worst times in our economy, one of the worst times in Maine to put the burden on everyone trying to get to work" she said.
Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director Peter Mills says the price of the commuter pass program was based on rates from the 1950's and have gone up only slightly since it went into effect. By making the changes he says the deep discount will go away but more people will see smaller savings.
"There will be a lot of people who will get a discount that never got one before, we will probably not get a thank-you note from them and that will be fine. But the system will be fair", he said.
The new rates take effect November 1st.
NEWS CENTER