PA Turnpike tolls to increase on Sunday

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are scheduled to increase this weekend.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said Wednesday most cash-paying customers will see a 10 percent increase, while E-ZPass users will pay 2 percent more. Motorists on the Southern Beltway in the Pittsburgh area will see a steeper increase in cash tolls.

The increases take effect Sunday.

The commission has been expanding the differential between cash and electronic tolls since 2011. E-ZPass travelers saved up to 17 percent last year, and the pending changes will widen that to 25 percent in 2013.

As part of a campaign to convert the turnpike to all-electronic tolls, officials have reduced fees in the E-ZPass program.

They say using technology to deduct tolls as vehicles roll through the toll booths is safer, less expensive and more convenient.