Collin Corbett Criticizes Illinois Tollway Plan, Calls Record Toll Increase a ‘Backroom Political Deal’ (Palatine, IL) – Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett is criticizing the Illinois Tollway’s newly approved $26.5 billion “Driving Connections” program, arguing that the massive infrastructure investment was approved without enough consideration for the residents who will ultimately pay for it.
The Tollway Board approved the long-term program alongside a 30% increase in commercial tolls and the largest passenger toll increase in Illinois history. The plan also calls for automatic toll increases every two years beginning in 2029.
Corbett said he supports maintaining and modernizing Illinois roads and bridges but questioned whether the scale and timing of the toll increases are justified.
“I strongly support investing in our infrastructure. Safe, modern roads and bridges are vital for our economy,” Corbett said. “That is precisely why I’m so frustrated with the process. Investing in our roads is necessary, but a backroom political deal forced onto working families during an economic crunch is unacceptable.”
Corbett’s criticism centers partly on the broader transportation funding decisions made in Springfield. He pointed to a proposal in his 2025 plan involving $1.1 billion from the statewide Road Fund to support public transit, arguing that political decisions surrounding transportation funding contributed to the current toll structure.
He also questioned the urgency of the Tollway’s new capital program, noting that toll revenue has historically helped maintain the system and that the agency continues to carry out its existing $2 billion “Bridging the Future” capital plan, which runs through 2031.
For Corbett, however, the central issue is not whether Illinois should invest in transportation but how major decisions affecting taxpayers and drivers are made.
Drawing on nearly a decade of experience working with local governments on community engagement, Corbett said public opposition should have prompted officials to reconsider the plan rather than move forward with it.
“One thing I’ve seen over nearly a decade of helping local governments with community engagement is how you do things matters,” Corbett said. “I would never have encouraged a client to move forward when 76% opposed the plan and only 17% supported it.”
Corbett said officials should have continued meeting with residents and adjusted the proposal in an effort to find a less expensive approach with broader public support.
The timing of the toll increases is another concern for the gubernatorial candidate. Corbett argued that working families are already dealing with inflation, higher gasoline prices and rising taxes.
He specifically pointed to a permanent 0.25% sales tax increase for transit that was approved less than three weeks ago, saying another transportation-related increase places additional pressure on household budgets.
Corbett said his experience in community engagement has shaped his approach to government and that, if elected governor, he would seek to make public participation a central part of major policy decisions.
“When I’m governor, we’re going to institute true community engagement that’s fully transparent and fully engages all Illinoisans in these major decisions that impact their pocketbook,” Corbett said. “All residents should have a seat at the table and their voice should be heard.”
Corbett is an independent candidate, political strategist and small-business owner. According to his campaign, he has spent more than two decades working to increase public participation in local communities, recruiting and training more than 3,500 people and helping advance nearly 1,200 organizations and campaigns nationwide.
Corbett lives in Palatine with his wife, Abbey, their toddler, Theodore Rex, and their rescue dog, Dustin.
Collin Corbett Criticizes Illinois Tollway Plan, Calls Record Toll Increase a ‘Backroom Political Deal’
