PORTSMOUTH — Those using the Downtown and Midtown tunnels will see steeper toll rates than anticipated at the start of the new year, in part due to inflation but also as operators recoup revenue collection deferred during the pandemic.
Toll rates are slated for another annual increase starting Jan. 1. Under a comprehensive agreement between Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo, which operates the tunnels, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, tolls can increase by 3.5% per year or at the previous year’s consumer price index rate, whichever is greater.
But next year’s rate hike raises tolls more than the 3.5% cap or last year’s 6.5% increase in consumer goods prices, which are both used to determine the annual toll rates. For example, the E-ZPass rate for passenger vehicles during peak hours will increase from $2.77 to $3.06 — a 10.5% hike.
The Virginian-Pilot reached out to Elizabeth River Crossings to understand why the 2024 toll rates increase by more than what is allowed under either standard.
Inflation has something to do with it. The increases for 2024 factor in the consumer price index because it was greater than 3.5%. The consumer price index, which is used as a measure of inflation and shows the increase in the cost of consumer goods, rose 6.5% between December 2021 and December 2022.
Carley Brierre, communications manager with ERC, said the previous rather than current year’s consumer price index is used in order to meet deadlines for rate increase proposals. She told the Pilot another factor in establishing the 2024 rates is that the annual toll increase slated for 2021 was deferred due to the pandemic. Instead, it’s been spread out and recouped at 1.17% increases across 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Toll revenue helps cover the ongoing costs of operating, maintaining and rehabilitating the tunnels, the MLK Expressway and about 51 lane miles of roadway, in addition to the construction of the new Midtown Tunnel going westbound, completed in 2017.
Because tolls vary depending on type of vehicle and time of day, the rate of increase motorists pay isn’t standard across the board. Motorists in passenger vehicles with two axles will be charged $7.57 if paying by plate during peak hours, up from $6.95 charged for 2023. That’s an 8.9% increase. Drivers in heavy vehicles with three or more axles will be charged $16.75 at peak hours without an E-ZPass and $12.24 with the pass.
Peak hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pay-by-plate rates include a $4.51 processing fee.
Non-peak rates apply on weekends and major holidays. New rates include $6.77 for passenger vehicles without a pass, and $11.28 for heavy vehicles without a pass, a 7.8% increase for both. An E-ZPass reduces those rates to $2.26 for passenger vehicles and $6.77 for heavy vehicles during non-peak hours.
Brierre said the agreement states that base peak rates can increase an additional 2% each year until 2026, which is why the increase for peak rates is greater than the increase for off-peak rates.
Earlier this year, Elizabeth River Crossings and VDOT expanded eligibility requirements for the toll relief program to Hampton Roads residents who earn $65,000 per year or less. The program allows enrolled vehicles with an E-ZPass transponder to get a 50% discount on trips through the tunnels.
Residents can enroll for toll relief at any time in-person at the E-ZPass Centers in Norfolk or Portsmouth or at the DriveERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth. They must provide proof of income and residency and also reenroll annually.
Another change to the program increases the maximum number of discounted trips per week from 10 to 14 trips for drivers of two-axle vehicles.
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
