Overwhelming Majority of Illinois Drivers Oppose Historic Tollway Hike

Illinois drivers have made their voices clear: they do not want to pay more to use the state’s tollway system.

According to public records obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by the Illinois Policy Institute, a staggering 83% of online commenters oppose a proposed rate hike. Out of nearly 9,000 responses collected in July, roughly 7,500 residents expressed opposition to the plan, while only 1,000 supported it.

The Illinois Tollway board—whose members are appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker—could vote on the proposal as early as August 19. If approved, it would mark the largest passenger toll hike in state history, raising passenger fees by 57%. This means a daily commuter passing through two tolls would pay an extra $225 annually by 2027. Commercial vehicles would face a 30% hike, likely driving up the cost of consumer goods. To make matters worse, starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would take effect every two years without requiring further board votes.

While the Tollway claims the increases are necessary to fund a $26.5 billion capital plan, critics point to the agency’s current financial surplus. In 2025, the system collected $1.75 billion in tolls—$1.3 billion more than it actually spent on operations and maintenance. With affordability cited as the top priority for 91% of opposed commenters, the board has a clear mandate from taxpayers to reject this unnecessary financial burden.

Sources

• illinoispolicy.org