Rate increases have boosted toll collections on the West Virginia Turnpike by more than 30 percent.

Figures released Thursday show the turnpike collected $19 million in tolls from July to September, compared to $14.6 million during the same period in 2008. The rate increases went into effect August 1.

Manager Greg Barr told the Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority that toll collections are meeting projections, despite a decline in commercial truck traffic.

Barr says passenger car toll collections rose by 7.2 percent during the three-month period, while commercial truck toll collections dropped by 11.1 percent.

Barr attributed the decline in commercial truck traffic to the economy.

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