Turnpike fees to go up for cash customers

If you’re an employee of an energy company and use the turnpike, get ready to pay more—-but only if you are a cash customer.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority plans to implement the third and final toll hike for its Driving Forward Initiative. It will apply only to cash customers and not to Pikepass account holders.

The 2.5 percent rate hike will go into effect July 15. These toll increases were related to the Driving Forward Program, announced by former Governor Mary Fallin in October of 2015. The first toll increase occurred March 1, 2017 for 12 percent, followed by a 2.5 percent increase on January 3, 2018.

The toll increase is helping fund major expansion projects throughout the State. Those include a 22-mile expansion of the Turner Turnpike between Bristow and Tulsa. A new 21-mile corridor from the Turner Turnpike near Luther to I-40 and a 7.5-mile extension of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City.

“For nearly 78 percent of our customers, this toll increase will have no effect on them,” said Tim Gatz, OTA Executive Director. “This toll increase really makes it attractive for those paying cash to think about opening a Pikepass account and receive discounted travel.”

Pikepass customers make up 78 percent of all travelers on the turnpike system. In addition to cheaper rates, Pikepass customers also receive additional discounts for multiple trips and Pikepass customers can use their tag for tolls in Kansas and Texas.