Gov. Pat Quinn may have tossed in his 35 cents Friday about a proposed increase in toll fares to WBEZ, but for now he says he's holding his opinion until he hears from the public, according to a spokesperson.
Two weeks ago, the Illinois Tollway Authority outlined a $12 billion, 15-year plan to rebuild the 52-year-old Tollway system and proposed the toll hike to help pay for it.
The Tollway said the increase would cost I-Pass users about $11 more per month. Those paying cash would keep paying double the I-Pass amount.
Quinn said Friday it costs more money these days to maintain roads and the money needs to come from somewhere. Quinn still wants to hear the public's opinion on it, though.
The 35-cent increase nearly doubles the 40 cents drivers have paid since the 1980s.
If approved by the Tollway Board, the new fares would go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
Public hearings on the matter are scheduled for Aug. 18, 19 and 22.
