Used turnpike for sale?
Placing a "for sale" sign on the Massachusetts Turnpike is one of several options almost certain to appear in an upcoming report of the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission , the 13-member panel now analyzing operating deficits in the state's transportation system. The privatization of state roads is pitted with problems. It's also unnecessary if state leaders summon the courage to raise enough revenue from drivers to maintain the state's roadways and bridges.
Faced with strong no-new-taxes sentiment from voters, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell is offering the 359-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike for sale or lease. A study commission similar to the one now at work in Massachusetts noted that Pennsylvania needs $1.7 billion more annually just to maintain and make modest improvements to its roads, bridges, and public transit system. "There is only one option that is not on the table," Rendell told the Philadelphia Inquirer earlier this month, "and that is doing nothing."
Massachusetts Governor-elect Deval Patrick now finds himself in the same precarious position as Rendell. Michael Widmer , the president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation , estimates a shortfall of roughly $15 billion for the maintenance and repair of Massachusetts roads and bridges over the next 20 years. Reliable roadways require additional user fees and tolls, says Widmer, who also serves on the transportation commission. This issue will be an early test for Patrick. If he hopes to keep the state's roadways under public control, he will need to get over the transportation timidity he showed during the campaign, especially on the issue of raising the gas tax. This is a test, too, of the value of Patrick's transportation working group co-chaired by former Federal Aviation Administration commissioner Jane Garvey .
There are too many risks and unknowns associated with the privatization of roadways, including potential cost-cutting schemes by private companies that could compromise safety. Also, there is hardly any government service more basic than providing and maintaining roadways. Any hope of reducing or eliminating tolls along part of the Mass Pike would recede with the advent of private operators who need toll revenues to recoup their investments. And, in the worst case, the revenue from such sales or leases could be diverted away from road projects and into the general fund.
The smarter route is to raise the 21-cent gasoline excise tax, which hasn't budged in 15 years. A 10-cent increase could raise $300 million to keep the state highway system in good repair. If motorists choose to drive less, the state still stands to benefit due to less road wear and better air quality. A modest hike in the gas tax might be tough on some businesses. But the business climate would suffer much more if people lose confidence in the state's roads and bridges.
