Your commute might get a little pricier this new year.
407 ETR has released its rate schedule for 2025, which includes new zone tolls and vehicle classifications, according to a news release.
The toll rate for light vehicles will range from three to 14 cents per kilometre, according to the release.
Through the new vehicle classification, motorcyclists will soon pay less than light-vehicle drivers. But larger trucks, SUVs and vans towing trailers will have to pay more than before
In Whitby, some residents are already lamenting the price hikes, says North Ward Coun. Steve Lee.
“This has got to be one of the most expensive tolled roads in the world,” he told CBC Toronto.
Several factors will determine the price of a driver’s trip, including the day of the week, time, size of the vehicle and more.
“People are concerned,” Lee said. “It’s already an expensive road to start with.”
The average monthly bill for a person driving a light vehicle will go up by eight dollars, the 407’s vice-president of communications and government relations, Christina Basil told CBC Toronto via email.
407 ETR’s new vehicle classifications will kick in on Jan. 1. (CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited)
She also said that the reason the 407 is tripling its number of zones is to ensure it can set toll rates more precisely and manage traffic better.
“A considerable amount of growth is anticipated in the region in the coming years, and we are implementing pricing strategies to manage our demand today while preparing for future growth,” Basil wrote.
This map shows the Highway 407 ETR with its new toll zones. (CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited)
Province is assessing options, ministry says
The rate changes are coming at a time when many residents would like to see the province subsidize truck tolls when using the 407 to open up the 401 to cars. Others want to see the province buy the 407 back.
In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation said the province has been in conversation with the 407.
“We will continue to find ways to make life more affordable for Ontarians and ensure they can get where they need to go every day. This includes looking at all options and building the critical infrastructure we need to keep up with our growing population,” Dakota Brasier wrote.
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Some drivers, including James McEwan, a retired civil engineer who lives in Burlington, Ont., say the province should consider truck subsidies, given how congested the 401 has become, adding that the new 407 prices don’t help drivers either.
“It’s annoying … It was annoying from the start that the province even sold it off. I didn’t agree with that when it happened.”
Lee recommends drivers plan their commutes wisely.
“I think people need to take a hard look at the website, look at the information in the zone changes, look at what time they go to work,” he said.
“Maybe that could be adjusted so that they’re not having to sacrifice between paying more or the amount of time that they sit in their car on the road away from their home, away from their family.”
