VAUGHAN — Newly published toll schedules for Highway 407 ETR show that some weekday rates are set to increase by more than 100 per cent in 2026, raising concerns among regular commuters about affordability and the potential impact on traffic congestion across the Greater Toronto Area.
The changes were brought to GTA Weekly’s attention through a constituent email received by the newsroom, along with detailed rate tables comparing 2025 and 2026 tolls for westbound and eastbound weekday travel published by Highway 407 ETR.
According to the data, average toll increases vary widely depending on time of day and direction of travel. While some periods show modest or no change, others—particularly during early morning and evening commuting hours—reflect substantial increases.
New Peak Periods Introduced
The 2026 toll schedule introduces new weekday pricing periods at 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., which were not previously designated as distinct rate windows.
For westbound travel at 5 a.m., tolls increase by an average of approximately 91 per cent, with some segments showing increases exceeding 119 per cent compared to 2025 rates. Eastbound travel during the same period shows an average increase of approximately 97 per cent, with individual segments reaching increases of up to 129 per cent, according to the published figures.
Evening travel also sees notable changes. Eastbound rates around 7 p.m. increase by an average of nearly 100 per cent, while westbound rates during the same period rise by more than 80 per cent on average.
Average Increases for Frequent Weekday Travel
When weekday periods are averaged across all time slots:
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Westbound weekday tolls increase by approximately 31.28 per cent
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Eastbound weekday tolls increase by approximately 35.43 per cent
These averages reflect weighted changes across weekday travel and indicate that commuters who rely on the highway during peak hours face substantially higher increases than those travelling occasionally or outside peak periods.
Discrepancy With Public Messaging
Highway 407 ETR has stated that most personal transponder customers will see an average monthly increase of about $5. The toll schedules reviewed by GTA Weekly indicate that while this may apply to lower-frequency users or those travelling outside peak periods, commuters who rely on the highway daily during standard working hours are likely to experience significantly higher cost increases.
The data shows that toll impacts vary considerably depending on travel time and frequency.
In announcing the 2026 rates, Highway 407 ETR said the changes are intended to manage demand during busy periods.
“Strategic rate adjustments help us manage demand in busier zones while keeping traffic free-flowing for customers,” said Jose Espinosa, President and CEO of 407 ETR, in a statement released with the new rate schedule.
Potential Impact on Regional Traffic
Transportation planners have long noted that pricing changes on Highway 407 ETR can influence congestion on parallel 400-series highways, including Highways 401, 400, and 427, as drivers seek lower-cost alternatives during peak periods. The newly introduced high-cost windows may further affect commuter behaviour, though no provincial traffic impact assessment related to the 2026 rate changes has been released to date.
Calls for Transparency
The constituent who contacted GTA Weekly has called for greater transparency around how toll increases affect frequent commuters and for public discussion about the broader transportation implications.
At the time of publication, GTA Weekly had not received responses from Highway 407 ETR or the Ontario Ministry of Transportation addressing the specific toll increases or their anticipated impact on regional traffic patterns.
What Happens Next
The 2026 toll rates are scheduled to take effect in early January. GTA Weekly will continue to seek comment from Highway 407 ETR and provincial officials and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source: Highway 407 ETR published 2025–2026 weekday toll schedules; constituent correspondence submitted to GTA Weekly newsroom.
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