Turnpike addresses toll abuse
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has revoked discounted transponders used by 2,403 motorists who had been enjoying reduced-cost trips through the tunnels reserved for the residents of nearby neighborhoods, even though they had moved.
More than 11,000 residents of the North End, East Boston, South Boston, and Boston proper take advantage of the discounted rates, paying 40 cents per trip rather than $3.50. The discounts are intended to help those who need to use the Sumner or Ted Williams tunnels to get to and from their homes.
But before Governor Deval Patrick took office, there was no annual registration for the discount transponders. Those lucky enough to get them simply kept them, no matter where they went.
The Turnpike Authority is now requiring residents to reapply for the transponders annually and to bring proof of residency, said Mac Daniel, turnpike spokesman.
Alan LeBovidge, executive director of the Turnpike Authority, said he did not know how much toll money was lost to the illegal transponder use. The turnpike had electronically disabled the violators' transponders, forcing them to reapply.
Violators have not faced fines, but would if they committed the infractions again, Daniel said.
The Turnpike Authority also reached a $65,000 settlement with a limousine company that was using a resident's transponder to get the discounted rate, rather than pay the commercial toll. Attorney General Martha Coakley had filed a complaint charging that A&M Limousine Service Co. of East Boston had used employees' transponders on commercial vehicles to avoid the comercial toll rate of $4.50.
State officials released the data yesterday as they promoted changes they have instituted since last summer to rein in spending and improve management of the troubled transportation agency. Patrick and transportation officials highlighted the changes, which are saving an estimated $14 million.
Among the other changes cited yesterday:
The turnpike has reduced its use of outside consultants over the past six months, saving $8 million.
Converting four more lanes at the Route 128 interchange and the Allston-Brighton tolls is projected to save $500,000.
The turnpike cooperated with the state for the first time in the bulk purchase of electrical power, saving more than $1.4 million for the turnpike and up to $5 million for the state.
Overtime costs were reduced by more than $800,000 over the last four months, compared with the same period last year.
The elimination of six administrative jobs saved $1 million.
The elimination of one of the turnpike's healthcare providers saved $1.7 million.
