New Year Starts With A Hike At The Pump For PA Drivers
By Anita Oh
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pennsylvania owns the distinction of having the highest gas tax in the nation and on New Year's Day, that tax soared even higher -- adding another eight cents per gallon.
"It's ridiculous," said Ralph Tucker, who left the gas station without filling up his tank. "They gotta do better than this -- the state is bleeding people for more money, more money."
"It's at least $60 to fill my truck," explained Tony Wall. "That's a lot of money in these days."
As of Saturday, drivers were paying an average of $2.54 for a gallon of regular in Pennsylvania, but by Sunday the gas tax had jumped to around 78 cents per gallon, causing some drivers pain at the pump.
"My coworkers be like 'I'm going over to Jersey to get my gas,'" noted Shawn Frazier.
"It's bad," said Jenny Chan. "But try to travel less I guess."
Others who have to drive for work say they have no choice.
"I'm not happy about it but not much I can do about it, right?" said John Dariano.
The money collected from the tax is expected to fund road construction, repairs and infrastructure maintenance -- something Jan Rzpeny says is desperately needed.
"The roads are horrendous," said Rzpeny, who recently moved back to the state after 16 years in London. "It's shocking how bad they are."
As if a gas tax hike wasn't bad enough, tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are expected to increase by up to six percent this year, marking the ninth increase in the last nine years.
