Caption by Ashmar Mandou

The Illinois Tollway Authority Board approved the largest toll rate increase in state history. The board deems the rate increase necessary to fund a major capital investment program that will be allotted for infrastructure projects. The unanimous 8-0 vote was approved on Wednesday. Beginning January 1, passenger vehicles will see a 45-cent per-toll increase, while commercial vehicles will face a 30 percent hike. For example, if drivers hit three tolls each way on their commute, they could pay nearly $500 more per year. The rates would then be adjusted every other year based on inflation. “More than three-quarters of online public comments opposed the plan for a system already flush with cash to maintain roads, but their concerns were ignored. The Tollway’s approval of this record toll hike tells drivers that overwhelming public opposition is not worth as much as political allies,” said Bryce Hill, senior director of fiscal and economic analysis for Illinois Policy Institute.