It’s not often that you hear about news that’s good for the motorcycling community.  The good news is that motorcycles may be in for reduced tolls in Maryland.

Maryland’s Governor, Larry Hogan has proposed a toll relief package that would lower the tolls of certain vehicles including motorcycles.  If implemented, Hogan says the move will save Maryland road users more than $28 million over a 5 year period.

The proposed discount will reduce toll costs for motorcyclists by 50 percent.  In addition, vehicles towing one or two-axle trailers will have their tolls cut by 25 and 17 percent respectively.  You can find full details about the tolling proposal at mdta.maryland.gov/TollModernization/Home.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is now seeking comments from the public.  Comments are being solicited electronically through mdta.maryland.gov from August 1, 2019, through October 3, 2019.  You can also download a comment card and send your comments to the MDTA via snail mail.

In addition, the agency will hold nine public hearings beginning in September at various locations.  The public hearing locations are as follows:

• Hartford
• Cecil
• Baltimore
• Anne Arundel
• Queen Anne’s
• Prince George’s
• Charles and;
• Montgomery

counties.  Baltimore City will also have a hearing.

This will be the second time the Republican Governor has proposed lowering tolls.  In 2015 the Governor lowered tolls rates as well.

After receipt of all public comments, the MDTA will issue its final report on October 31, 2019.  The board will then vote on a final recommendation at the board’s November 21st meeting.

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