HARRISBURG — Motorists on the Pennsylvania Turnpike soon will have a financial incentive to use E-ZPass, following approval of a new toll schedule that sets higher rates for people who pay with cash.

The Turnpike commission voted Tuesday to increase rates by 10 percent for cash customers, but only 3 percent for those who use E-ZPass, currently about two-thirds of all turnpike vehicles.

When the new rates take effect Jan. 2, it will be the first time E-ZPass users will pay less than others for the same trip.

The Turnpike has increased rates seven times in 70 years, including two increases in the past year and a half. Tolls rose 3 percent at the start of 2010 and were increased 25 percent in January 2009.

The Turnpike estimates the higher fees will produce about $35 million a year.

Annual toll increases were called for in a July 2007 state law that dedicated billions to fund the state's roadwork and bridge repair needs, and authorized the addition of tolls to Interstate 80 — although federal regulators have rejected the I-80 plan.

Under that law, known as Act 44, the Turnpike must provide $450 million a year to the state government for the next 47 years.