The Maine Turnpike Authority plans to raise tolls a year earlier than scheduled, effective Feb. 1.

Good timing during the current economic and financial crises.

Due to shrinking revenues (less traffic), the MTA will fleece tourists and cash-paying customers (48 percent of toll transactions) to add $20 million in revenue, according to the Sun Journal and information on the MTA’s Web site.

The MTA claims the current 3.8-cents-per-mile rate to be ranked the fifth-lowest in the United States. Let’s say Joe from away decides to visit York (Exit 7) to buy a hunting/fishing license for $137 ($38 for residents). He will pay at least $3.50 ($1.75, times two) to enter and leave the state via the turnpike.

The rate for this 14-mile round trip is 25 cents per mile. The MTA is not promoting tourism by increasing the money grab at the border, which will be $4 for Joe come February.

Welcome to Maine, Joe, and remember to bring extra cash.

Maybe he should consider fishing in Austria.

I think it is time to privatize the MTA.

Diana Holcomb, Norway