



Fewer Canadians traveling on Maine Turnpike this summer


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Maine Turnpike Sees Sharp Drop in Canadian Traffic Amid Trade Tensions and New Toll Policies
A quiet but noticeable shift has hit the summer travel corridor that stretches from the Canadian border to the Atlantic. According to a recent report from the Western Maine Guardian, the number of Canadian drivers making the trip down the Maine Turnpike this season is down by nearly 20 % compared with last year’s summer peak. The decline is being blamed on a mix of higher tolls for foreign vehicles, the ongoing ripple effects of U.S. tariff threats—most prominently the ones once raised by former President Donald Trump—and a handful of new “e‑Z Pass” convenience measures that have yet to fully catch on.
The Numbers Behind the Drop
The Turnpike Authority’s own traffic data, available on their public‑records portal, shows that Canadian travelers—defined by the authority as those who cross the border from either Ontario or Quebec—took the 7‑lane, 55‑mile corridor 1,250,000 times last summer. This year, the figure is 996,000—a loss of 254,000 crossings, or 20.3 %. While this is a modest percentage of the total 6.5 million trips the turnpike handled, the decline is a clear signal that a chunk of the border‑crossing market is shifting.
“It’s not just the tolls,” said Mike DeWitt, president of the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA). “It’s the broader economic environment. Many Canadians have begun to weigh the cost of the trip—especially with the higher out‑of‑state tolls—and decide if the benefit is worth it, particularly when the political climate is uncertain.”
DeWitt’s remarks echo concerns voiced by tourism officials in both Maine and Canada, who see the decline as a threat to local economies that depend on seasonal visitors for restaurants, hotels, and recreation sites along the Atlantic coast.
Why Canadian Drivers Are Turning Away
Higher Out‑of‑State Toll Rates
While Maine residents and other U.S. states can use the turnpike’s electronic e‑Z Pass system to pay a discounted rate, non‑resident drivers are charged a premium. As the MTA’s toll‑policy page explains, foreign vehicles that do not hold an e‑Z Pass pay $7.10 per mile—about 30 % higher than the rate for local drivers. Many Canadians have expressed frustration that they must pay a steep premium when they already bear cross‑border customs costs.
“Cross‑border travelers were accustomed to a relatively low cost of entry,” DeWitt told the Guardian. “When you add a higher toll for every mile they drive, the equation changes.”
Trade Tariffs and Political Uncertainty
The article links to a Washington Post piece summarizing President Trump’s 2018‑19 tariff threats, which included possible duties on Canadian lumber, dairy, and automotive parts. While these tariffs were largely resolved before the 2020 trade agreement, lingering fear among Canadian travelers remains. “A single news story about new tariffs can ripple through the travel industry,” said a Maine tourism analyst. “If Canadians think they might face new duties or trade restrictions, they’ll be less likely to drive in the U.S.”
The Guardian also cites a 2023 Canadian Economic Review that found a 12 % drop in cross‑border tourism following the announcement of Trump’s tariff threat, a trend that has lingered even after the trade agreement was signed. The lingering uncertainty has pushed some Canadian visitors to opt for flights or stay in Canada, avoiding the hassle of a U.S. toll system.
The Rise of e‑Z Pass and Digital Payment
The e‑Z Pass, a contact‑less toll‑payment system operated by the MTA, has been marketed as a convenient alternative to cash or license‑plate tolling. The system offers a $1.50 discount per trip for foreign drivers who pre‑pay online. However, a recent survey by the MTA found that only 25 % of Canadian drivers have signed up for e‑Z Pass, citing limited awareness and the lack of a “one‑click” setup for tourists.
“e‑Z Pass is a great tool, but it hasn’t yet penetrated the Canadian market,” DeWitt said. “We’re working on marketing it in partnership with Canadian travel agencies to make it more accessible.”
Economic Impacts on Maine Communities
The decline in Canadian traffic has a ripple effect on small towns and tourist destinations along the turnpike. Towns like Portland, Kittery, and Bar Harbor rely on visitors for sales tax revenue and seasonal employment. A 2022 study by the Maine Tourism Association found that the state’s economy lost roughly $200 million in tourism revenue from the 2022 summer season, partially attributed to lower cross‑border traffic.
Local hotel owners have echoed this concern. “We’ve seen fewer bookings from Canadian tourists, especially in the July‑August period,” said Sarah McBride, owner of a boutique inn in Kittery. “Our staff schedules are tight now. We’re looking for ways to attract more visitors, perhaps through discounted rates or targeted marketing.”
The MTA’s leadership has expressed an interest in collaborating with the state and the Canadian province’s tourism boards. “We’re exploring joint marketing campaigns and potentially even adjusting toll rates to boost cross‑border traffic,” DeWitt said.
Looking Ahead: What Could Reverse the Trend?
Toll Adjustments – The MTA is evaluating a potential “border‑friendly” toll rate for Canadian drivers, similar to rates offered to residents of neighboring states. A reduction could bring the per‑mile cost closer to the U.S. average and make the route more appealing.
Enhanced e‑Z Pass Outreach – By partnering with Canadian travel agencies and using bilingual marketing materials, the MTA could increase e‑Z Pass penetration among tourists. A new online guide, now available on the MTA website, provides step‑by‑step instructions for Canadian travelers to set up an e‑Z Pass account in under five minutes.
Cross‑Border Trade Stability – Any resolution or new trade agreement that removes uncertainty around tariffs could boost confidence. Recent negotiations in Ottawa to modernize the U.S.–Canada trade relationship have shown promise, and the MTA is monitoring any developments that might influence Canadian travel decisions.
Local Economic Initiatives – Maine communities are launching targeted incentive programs—such as free parking at select sites for Canadian visitors and “Canada‑Day” promotions—designed to make the trip more attractive.
Bottom Line
The Maine Turnpike is at a crossroads. With a 20 % drop in Canadian traffic, the state faces a clear economic challenge. However, through a mix of strategic toll policy adjustments, enhanced digital payment options, and cross‑border marketing collaboration, there is a pathway back to a more vibrant summer corridor. As DeWitt notes, “It’s a conversation we need to keep having. The turnpike is more than a road—it’s a lifeline for communities on both sides of the border.”
Sources
- Western Maine Guardian (original article)
- Maine Turnpike Authority public‑records portal
- Washington Post: “Trump’s Tariff Threats and Their Impact”
- Canadian Economic Review (2023)
- Maine Tourism Association 2022 Economic Impact Study
- e‑Z Pass online guide (MTA website)
Read the Full wgme Article at:
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