83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes
The Illinois Tollway board could vote as soon as next week on a proposal that would include the largest passenger toll increase in state history.
Public commenters online overwhelmingly oppose the Illinois Tollway’s proposed rate hikes.
Of the nearly 9,000 online responses received from July 12 to 24, approximately 7,500 opposed the proposal, 1,000 supported it, and 500 were neutral. The Illinois Policy Institute obtained the results via a Freedom of Information Act request.
The public comment period has closed, but you can still let the board and Gov. J.B. Pritzker know you oppose the hike here.
The tollway board could vote as soon as next week on the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history. The plan would increase fees by 57% for passengers, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027.
Commercial vehicles would pay 30% more in toll fees, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.
Starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board votes.
The tollway says the extra money will fund a $26.5 billion, 15-year capital plan, which would likely create traffic congestion for drivers.
Online commenters also were asked to identify their top three tollway priorities from a list. Among those opposed to the toll hike, 91% cited affordability, 67% cited the importance of well-maintained roads, and 51% cited the need for less traffic.
The tollway consistently collects more than it needs to fund road maintenance. In 2025 the system collected $1.75 billion in tolls, $1.3 billion more than it spent on maintenance and operations.
The tollway board still has time to respect the clear wish of drivers and reject the hike. The next meeting at which it could decide on the hike is Aug. 19. Board members are appointed by Pritzker, himself an ex-officio member.
The public comment period is closed, but you can contact the board and the governor here to tell them to reject this hike here.
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