PORTLAND, Maine - Maine Turnpike officials say nearly two-thirds of all the toll revenue collected on the highway this year is coming from motorists who don't live in the state.
The Portland Press-Herald reports that's an increase from two years ago, when an estimated 54 percent of the $105 million in tolls came from out-of-state drivers. The turnpike expects to collect $125 million in toll revenue this year, with 66 percent paid by non-Mainers.
Since increasing tolls two years ago, the turnpike authority has pushed to get more state residents to buy E-ZPass transponders, which allow motorists to pay discounted tolls.
Officials say the majority of out-of-state motorists pay cash at the tolls. Others use E-ZPass transponders from other states, which are also charged at the cash rate in Maine.