Maryland to Pause 2027 Toll Increases

Governor Wes Moore announced a delay in planned toll hikes to provide financial relief to Maryland families.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Economic Policy

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore has instructed the Maryland Transportation Authority to pause scheduled toll increases throughout 2027. The move is estimated to save drivers $50 million.

Why it matters

The decision aims to offer financial relief to Maryland families by preventing a rise in transit costs. This policy change directly addresses affordability concerns for commuters traveling across the state.

The pause targets 2027 increases, which would have impacted current E-ZPass rates like $4 for the Fort McHenry Tunnel and $2.50 for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Officials have also reported $818 million in unpaid tolls from out-of-state vehicles.

The players

Wes Moore

Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland who authorized the suspension of the scheduled 2027 toll hikes.

Maryland Transportation Authority

This state agency is responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of toll facilities across Maryland.

The details

The directive from Governor Moore mandates that the Maryland Transportation Authority halt the upcoming 2027 rate adjustments. Despite the pause in hikes, the agency confirmed that existing operations and ongoing infrastructure projects will proceed as planned.

Fiscal year 2023 marked the beginning of intensive collection of outstanding tolls from residents.
Governor Moore announced the 2027 toll increase pause in October 2026.
Planned toll increases are paused for the duration of 2027.

Macro View

The policy change marks a departure from the previously scheduled increases outlined in the Maryland Transportation Authority's long-range capital improvement plan. Such adjustments contrast with historical cycles where toll roads typically follow set inflationary or operational cost-recovery schedules.

Drivers using facilities like the Fort McHenry Tunnel and Chesapeake Bay Bridge will maintain current E-ZPass rates throughout 2027 instead of facing expected increases. This measure provides predictable transit costs for local commuters and helps stabilize household transportation budgets for the coming year.

The takeaway

This directive offers immediate financial certainty to drivers who rely on state toll facilities for their daily commutes. Residents may benefit from monitoring official state updates to see how future infrastructure funding is balanced against these current cost-saving measures.