407 Rates 2019 Calculator

Calculate your exact toll costs for Highway 407 in 2019 based on vehicle type, distance, and time of travel.

Comprehensive Guide to 407 ETR Rates in 2019

The Highway 407 Express Toll Route (ETR) is one of Ontario’s most important transportation corridors, offering drivers a faster alternative to congested routes like the Gardiner Expressway and Highway 401. Understanding the 407 ETR rates for 2019 is crucial for budgeting your travel expenses, whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional user.

How 407 ETR Toll Rates Work (2019)

The 407 ETR uses a distance-based toll system where fees are calculated based on:

• The distance traveled between entry and exit points
• The type of vehicle being driven
• The time of day (peak vs. off-peak hours)
• Whether the vehicle has a transponder

2019 Toll Rate Structure

In 2019, the 407 ETR implemented the following rate structure:

Vehicle Type	Peak Rate (per km)	Off-Peak Rate (per km)	Transponder Discount	Video Toll Surcharge
Light Vehicle (2 axles)	$0.2826	$0.2120	20%	$3.75 per trip
Heavy Vehicle (3+ axles)	$0.5653	$0.4240	20%	$3.75 per trip
Motorcycle	$0.1413	$0.1060	20%	$3.75 per trip

Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours in 2019

The 407 ETR defines peak hours as:

• Weekdays: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• All other times are considered off-peak, including weekends and holidays

During peak hours, toll rates are approximately 33% higher than off-peak rates. This pricing strategy helps manage traffic flow by encouraging drivers to use the highway during less congested periods when possible.

Transponder vs. Video Toll Comparison

In 2019, drivers had two payment options:

Feature	Transponder	Video Toll (License Plate)
Upfront Cost	$20-$30 for device	None
Discount	20% off toll rates	No discount
Additional Fees	None	$3.75 video toll surcharge per trip
Payment Method	Prepaid account (automatic deduction)	Invoice mailed to registered owner
Processing Time	Instant	7-10 business days
Best For	Frequent users	Occasional users

How to Calculate Your 407 ETR Costs Manually

While our calculator provides instant results, understanding how to calculate your toll manually can be helpful:

1. Determine your distance: Find the kilometer distance between your entry and exit points. The 407 ETR is approximately 108 km from end to end.
2. Identify your vehicle type: Check whether you’re driving a light vehicle, heavy vehicle, or motorcycle.
3. Check the time: Determine if you’re traveling during peak or off-peak hours.
4. Calculate base toll: Multiply the distance by the appropriate per-km rate.
5. Apply transponder discount: If you have a transponder, reduce the base toll by 20%.
6. Add video surcharge: If you don’t have a transponder, add $3.75 to your total.

Historical Context: How 2019 Rates Compared to Previous Years

The 2019 toll rates represented a continuation of the gradual increases that had been implemented since the highway’s privatization in 1999. Compared to 2018, the 2019 rates increased by approximately 2.3%, which was in line with the annual inflation adjustments that had become standard practice.

This incremental approach to rate increases was designed to:

• Maintain predictable pricing for regular users
• Keep pace with inflation and operating costs
• Fund ongoing maintenance and expansion projects
• Support the highway’s advanced electronic tolling infrastructure

Tips for Saving Money on 407 ETR Tolls

While the 407 ETR offers convenience, the costs can add up quickly. Here are some strategies to minimize your expenses:

• Get a transponder: The 20% discount quickly offsets the initial cost if you use the highway regularly.
• Travel off-peak: Shifting your travel times by even 30 minutes can result in significant savings.
• Plan your route: Use the shortest necessary segment of the 407 to minimize distance-based charges.
• Check for alternatives: For some trips, the time saved might not justify the cost compared to free routes.
• Monitor your usage: Regularly review your statements to identify patterns where you could adjust your driving habits.
• Consider carpooling: Splitting the toll with passengers can make the 407 more economical.

Common Misconceptions About 407 ETR Tolls

Despite being in operation for over two decades, several myths persist about the 407 ETR:

• “The 407 is always faster”: While generally true during rush hours, traffic conditions can vary. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation provides real-time traffic updates that can help you decide.
• “You can avoid paying by not having a transponder”: The video toll system ensures all users are billed, with additional fees for non-transponder users.
• “Toll rates are the same all day”: The peak/off-peak pricing structure means rates can vary by 33% depending on when you travel.
• “The highway is only for wealthy drivers”: While costs can add up, many regular users find the time savings justify the expense, especially when factoring in reduced vehicle wear and fuel consumption from stop-and-go traffic.

Legal and Financial Considerations

It’s important to understand the legal and financial aspects of using the 407 ETR:

• Payment responsibility: As the registered vehicle owner, you’re legally responsible for all toll charges, even if someone else was driving.
• Late fees: Unpaid invoices accrue interest and may be sent to collections, potentially affecting your credit score.
• Disputes: If you believe you’ve been incorrectly billed, you can contact 407 ETR customer service to dispute charges.
• Tax deductions: If you use the 407 for business purposes, toll expenses may be tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for advice.

The Technology Behind 407 ETR Tolling

The 407 ETR was one of the world’s first all-electronic toll highways when it opened in 1997. By 2019, its system had evolved to include:

• Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI): Transponders use radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicate with overhead readers.
• Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC): Sensors determine vehicle type for accurate toll calculation.
• Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR): Cameras capture images of license plates for video tolling.
• Advanced billing systems: Sophisticated software processes millions of transactions daily.
• Real-time monitoring: The system can detect and flag potential issues like missing transponders or incorrect vehicle classifications.

This technology allows the highway to operate without toll booths, maintaining free-flow traffic speeds and reducing congestion.

Environmental Impact of the 407 ETR

A study by the Ryerson University Transportation Research Group found that the 407 ETR contributes to environmental benefits by:

• Reducing idling and stop-and-go traffic on parallel routes like Highway 401
• Lowering overall vehicle emissions through more consistent travel speeds
• Encouraging more efficient route planning among drivers
• Supporting economic activity by reducing travel times for commercial vehicles

However, critics argue that the toll highway may encourage more vehicle use overall by making driving more convenient, potentially offsetting some environmental benefits.

Future of Toll Roads in Ontario

The 407 ETR serves as a model for potential future toll roads in Ontario. Lessons learned from its operation include:

• The importance of clear, predictable pricing structures
• The value of electronic tolling for maintaining traffic flow
• The need for alternative routes to ensure equity for drivers
• The potential for toll roads to fund infrastructure without direct tax increases

As Ontario’s population grows, the 407 ETR’s role in the provincial transportation network continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about potential extensions and complementary toll routes.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the 2019 407 ETR rate structure. Actual charges may vary due to factors like exact distance traveled, vehicle classification, and any subsequent billing adjustments. For official rate information, please visit the 407 ETR website. This tool is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.