Motorist could get penalized for paying cash at tolls
by Hillary Chabot
DNN Reports!
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009
Using cash at the toll booth would cost Pike drivers big under one Massachusetts Turnpike Board member’s plan that would allow those with Fast Lane transponders to dodge any toll increase.
The plan, offered by Pike board member Mary Connaughton, could save the state up to $5 million a year and is one of several proposals offered by members to avoid an unpopular $7 toll hike pushed by Gov. Patrick
“We have an obligation to come up with a plan palatable to toll- and taxpayers,” Connaughton said, adding that the $7 hike, “isn’t going to happen. It’s too high.”
Connaughton’s plan aims to cut the high cost of toll collectors by encouraging the use of Fast Lane transponders. Those paying in cash would pay as much as a $7 toll hike while those with transponders would avoid the increase, Connaughton said
If 15 percent or more drivers start using Fast Lane, there could be $5 million in savings in toll collection costs, Connaughton said.
Other Pike board members have floated a smaller toll hike of $1.50 at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths, and $5.50 at the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels. Steep debt at the Pike prompted members to give preliminary approval last year to toll increases that would double cash tolls to $7 at the tunnels and raise tolls at the Weston and Allston-Brighton booths to $2 from $1.25.
The proposals, which transportation officials did not make public, will be discussed during the board’s next meeting on Feb. 24. The suggestions come as Patrick is set to reveal his transportation reform this week. He is considering avoiding the steep toll increase by raising the gas tax 29 cents.
In a draft proposal, Patrick outlined removing the tolls west of Interstate 95 and keeping the charge at tolls inside I-95 the same. The plan still faces a skeptical Legislature, however, and Pike board members are scheduled to vote on the hikes next week.
“They’re still forced to pay the bills,” said Sen. Steve Baddour (D-Methuen) who co-chairs the Legislative Transportation Committee. Pike members may have to approve their own alternatives if the governor and lawmakers can’t reach an agreement.
“We’re having very fruitful conversations on the reform side,” said Baddour, who is against raising tolls or a gas tax and is focused on cuts.
If one Pike board member gets his way, soon enough,
you could pay more if you use cash at the tolls.
(DNN Staff photo)
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