WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike’s conversion to cashless tolling is on-schedule for mid-2024, according to a statement on the KTA website.
In preparation for the change, the KTA Board established a simplified toll structure that keeps the Kansas Turnpike at the bottom of toll rates across the country.
(Click below to watch how new cashless tolling works)
Cashless tolling allows for more consistent fares since elements used for cash collection, such as rounding to the nearest nickel or quarter, are no longer necessary. With the elimination of rounding to the nearest nickel or quarter, many short-distance travelers will see a reduction in the toll they pay.
The new toll structure will be a flat, per-mile rate based upon axle count and whether the vehicle has a transponder or is identified by their license plate. Find new per-mile rates here.
"This change will be especially beneficial for customers who drive shorter distances, such as Kansans commuting to work or school,” Deb Miller, Chairperson of the Kansas Turnpike Authority Board, said.
These new per-mile toll rates will go into effect when the Kansas Turnpike converts to cashless tolling in mid-2024.
Establishment of these toll rates is one of many tasks necessary for the modernization. In addition to on-roadway work, KTA teams have been developing the account management functions necessary to support customers.
This month, customer service call center hours will increase to 7:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, to better serve customers in advance of the conversion. Walk-in retail hours will remain the same 8 am – 5 pm.
Customers will also see a refreshed K-TAG logo that aligns visually with its parent organization, the Kansas Turnpike Authority. K-TAG is a small in-vehicle device used to facilitate a customer’s toll payment and provides the lowest toll rate on the Kansas Turnpike – now and in the future.
“We are excited about our progress toward cashless tolling and believe our customers will be too,” Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, said. “KTA’s recent satisfaction survey shows that 84 percent of customers support the modernization to cashless tolling.”
Additional information will be provided in the months leading up to the conversion. Learn more about cashless tolling, and watch short informational videos, at www.DriveKS.com.