ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida drivers are paying more to use some of the region’s busiest toll roads.
Starting Wednesday, toll rates operated by the Central Florida Expressway Authority increased, adding to financial pressures many drivers say they are already feeling from higher everyday expenses, including gas prices.
Drivers who regularly use the region’s toll roads say even small increases can add up.
“It’s just crazy, but it’s not the first time. It feels like everything now,” one driver said.
The rate changes affect major expressways, including State Road 408, State Road 417, State Road 528, and State Road 429.
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Drivers using electronic toll systems will see increases ranging from about 2 to 7 cents at some toll points compared with last year. Some electronic toll users will see slight decreases depending on location and the car axle.
For drivers who pay by plate, the increases could be higher, with some toll points rising between 4 and 16 cents.
One driver said the monthly cost of tolls has become another major expense of “about $100.”
He said it can be compared to the cost of a regular bill.
The increase comes as many drivers are already dealing with higher transportation costs. Some say they have noticed the impact of rising gas prices and worry about another expense added to their budgets.
“I kind of wish it would go down or go to tourists,” one driver said.
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Toll revenue helps fund Central Florida’s transportation system, including road maintenance and improvements. But some drivers say they would like to see fewer toll roads in the region.
“There are some going down 528, for example, it’s like back to back, and it’s like I just paid and if you make the wrong turn or exit, you have to pay to get back on,” one driver said.
Some motorists say they plan to avoid toll roads when possible, while others say that is not always realistic.
“I’m going to try, even if it takes me an hour and a half longer, but it just kind of sucks,” one driver said.
The new rates apply to Central Florida Expressway Authority roads. Other toll systems, including roads managed by the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike, have not announced new rates.