Turnpike is transparent, responsible

The Post-Gazette’s editorial (March 3, “Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission needs a light to be shined on it”) regarding Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission efforts to operate transparently was wildly off the mark, peddling a tired, old narrative that is no longer true. Fact is, the Turnpike has a proven record of accountability to the Commonwealth.

The Turnpike provided detailed public information regarding our transition to All Electronic Tolling which began a decade ago. While the pandemic forced the commission to end cash collections ahead of schedule, our workforce, customers, and elected officials had ample notice.

Moreover, we provide access to myriad financial reports, budgets, and planning documents on our website. This wealth of data includes the Annual Financial Report, our Capital Plan, detailed reports on our bonds and toll revenue and volume. We also provide access to our Act 44 Financial Plans online; since 2007, our agency has transferred $8 billion to PennDOT for transit systems — requiring the commission to raise tolls annually.

We have testified before the state legislature on collections and will be providing more regular updates. Pennsylvania’s Auditor General routinely reviews and reports on the Turnpike’s finances and operations along with numerous internal audits the commission conducts. And it is worth saying, the commission is open and responsive to media inquiries — including those from the Post-Gazette — to ensure transparency.

Finally, it is important to note that revenue loss or “leakage” has always been a challenge for every tolling agency. The commission has existing payment and enforcement tools and continues to work with the legislature, PennDOT, district attorneys, and other states to develop more.

MARK COMPTON CEO Pennsylvania Turnpike