Gov. Ryan Talks to Tollway Chairman, Rejects Toll Increase Plan

CHICAGO-- Governor George H. Ryan remains firmly opposed to any toll increase in the remainder of his term, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Chairman Art Philip was told today.

In a phone call today, the Governor told Chairman Philip he did not support a toll increase being imposed during the transition period. He told the Chairman the Authority had failed to address any of the concerns the Governor had raised with the Tollway's earlier effort to raise tolls.

Last Year, Governor Ryan proposed a comprehensive plan for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority that, over 20 years, would have reduced congestion, rebuilt the system and gradually eliminated tolls altogether. The Authority would have been moved to the Illinois Department of Transportation, and brought under the financial oversight of the General Assembly. The General Assembly failed to pass the Governor's plan.

Last spring, Governor Ryan opposed the Tollway's proposal to increase tolls throughout the system because it failed to provide a long-range financial strategy for the Authority. Gov. Ryan said it also failed to provide the systemic reforms he sought last year. Consumers would be asked to pay significantly more money for tolls just to maintain the status quo.