EDITORIAL: No to tolls on Indiana interstates

Hershamn told the Indy Star that while the bill allows tolls for any interstate, most discussions revolved around possibly placing tolls on I-69 and I-70. 

Tolls are now the newest way state lawmakers are looking at to raise millions for much-needed infrastructure improvements, which also includes an additional $15 car registration fee and raising the cigarette and gas taxes. The Senate plan also includes a $5 tire fee and a $100 commercial license plate fee. In the end, though, it’s unlikely all the proposed additional fees will make it into the final road funding bill as the House and Senate typically come to a compromise on their respective proposals. 

While we understand the Senate’s idea behind tolls, capturing money from the many commercial and cross-state travelers, we can’t support giving INDOT and the governor what is essentially a blank check without much resistance or public input to raise money. A toll also raises transportation costs not only to the hundreds of commuters that use I-69 but also local and national companies who use it as well. Tolls would also likely congest secondary roads, such as Ind. 37, as drivers avoid paying the tolls. 

With Republicans comfortably in charge, additional fees, whether it be for car registration or paying at the pump, paying more for road funding is inevitable. Let’s hope it doesn’t include paying tolls.