The state Turnpike Commission announced another toll increase, but said it is the lowest annual hike in six years.

E-ZPass and TOLL BY PLATE customers will notice a 5% increase starting on Jan. 2, 2022, according to a news release from the commission.

Mark Compton, commission CEO, said the increase is necessary to make the final $450 million payment to the State Department of Transportation for transit operations under Acts 44 and 89.

The commission has made that annual payment since 2009, which has necessitated an annual toll increase each year since then.

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