Illinois Drivers Hit With Big Toll Increases After New Transit Bill

Just when driving to O'Hare was starting to feel affordable again, the folks in Springfield delivered a brand new toll hike.

New Illinois Transit Bill Brings Major Toll Increases

Lawmakers just greenlit a $1.5 billion transit funding bill, and part of that plan means Illinois Tollway rates are climbing, and I don't mean by just a bit, either. NBC 5 in Chicago reports that drivers will pay 45 cents more per trip, which is roughly a 60% increase. Long story short, your quick trip to O'Hare will go from 75 cents to $1.20.

READ MORE: How To Drive On Illinois Tollway Without Owning An I-PASS

What It Means for Rockford Drivers Headed to O’Hare

If that's correct, a one-way trip currently costs $3 from Rockford to O'Hare International Airport. With a 45-cent increase at each toll, considering there are three tolls between here and there, we're talking a $1.35 increase, which might not seem like a lot at first, but definitely adds up if you commute daily to the airport.

READ MORE: Illinois Tollways May Soon Charge You Based on the Time of Day

Why Illinois Says the Toll Hike Is Necessary

The state says the money will help modernize transit and keep the CTA, Metra, and Pace from falling off a so-called "fiscal cliff." They're even creating a new Northern Illinois Transit Authority to oversee the entire system. Governor Pritzker praised the plan for improving transportation "without new statewide taxes."

Rockford Drivers Footing the Bill for Chicago Transit?

That's great for everyone who likes to ride the CTA, Metra, and Pace. You know, people who don't live in Rockford. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like we're footing the bill for Chicagoans to ride the train and the bus.

Anyway, the next time you head east on I-90, make sure your transponder is loaded up with cash because next year those tolls aim to take it all.