BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The gas tax increase is now in effect and that means you’re paying more at the pump.
Rochelle Ritchie has details on just how much more—and future plans to go even higher.
Drivers are now shelling out an extra four cents a gallon in gas. It doesn’t sound like much but it’s still enough to frustrate drivers.
Getting around town now costs you an extra three and a half cents, thanks to a new gas tax increase.
“Just makes you want to stay home, not even go out,” said Sara Reynolds.
The same gallon of gas that taxed you 23.5 cents for the last two decades now costs 27 cents. The increased gas tax signed by Governor Martin O’Malley earlier this year is just one way the state plans to pay for major road and transportation projects.
“They’re going to keep adding,” said one driver.
In fact, he’s right. The gas tax is expected to reach 42 cents by 2016.
“I think it’s madness. I don’t think that’s good at all,” said a driver.
Some drivers say regardless of what the gas tax is, they have no choice.
“I just buy it and look the other way,” said another driver.
But the governor argues it’s not about nickling and diming people but creating safer roadways and jobs.
“As we build up and build out a modern transportation system, it will create an estimated 57,200 jobs over the next six years,” O’Malley said.
And while many oppose the gas tax hike, others say they get it.
“I think it’s fine. I think a couple of extra pennies for much better roads and bridges, it’s really a good way to spend their money,” said Saul Gillstein.
The tolls also increased Monday.
