Rhode Island Candidates Opposed Truck Toll Relaunch

Gubernatorial contenders are pushing back against plans to reactivate the state's truck tolling network by 2027.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Trucks

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy-duty highway toll gantry, representing infrastructure policy debates in Rhode Island. — Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates are campaigning against Governor Dan McKee’s plan to reactivate the state's truck tolling network by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your state government rely on truck tolls to fund local transportation infrastructure?

Rhode Island candidates have voiced opposition to Governor Dan McKee's plan to bring back the truck toll system. The state is currently preparing to relaunch the network by July 2027.

Why it matters

While the government cites state law and funding needs for the project, candidates argue the tolls act as regressive taxes that burden local businesses. The state legislature has already assumed $20 million in toll revenue within the current budget.

The state has already spent $9 million to revive the network, with a projected total cost of $19 million to complete the project. Annual operations are estimated to cost $5 million.

The players

Dan McKee

Dan McKee is the Governor of Rhode Island and is currently overseeing the Department of Transportation's efforts to revive the state truck toll system.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the maintenance and management of Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure, including the tolling network.

Quarterhill

Quarterhill is a technology company recently hired by the state to manage the back office system for the toll network.

Kapsch TrafficCom

This international provider of intelligent transportation systems is contracted to provide the physical gantries and plate readers for the tolling project.

The details

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has hired Quarterhill for back office management and renewed a contract with Kapsch TrafficCom to reinstall gantries and plate readers. Although an appeals court cleared the tolls for relaunch in 2024, any program changes must secure General Assembly approval.

The truck toll system originally launched in 2018.
A federal judge ordered the system to shut down in 2022.
An appeals court ruled the tolls could be relaunched in 2024.
The Department of Transportation hired Quarterhill in June 2026.
The system is expected to resume operations in July 2027.

Roadmap

The push to reactivate this toll network reflects a broader trend of states seeking dedicated revenue streams for infrastructure upkeep despite shifting political climates. It highlights the tension between legacy funding mandates and the evolving priorities of state-level leadership.

For the average Rhode Island business and daily commuter, the reactivation will fundamentally change logistics costs related to freight transport. Future toll rates and specific gantry locations will dictate how heavily these costs impact local supply chains and consumer pricing.

The takeaway

The ongoing revival of the toll system serves as a reminder that major infrastructure projects often remain at the mercy of shifting legislative priorities. Residents should watch for upcoming General Assembly sessions to see if the state maintains its current timeline for activation.