Turnpike seeks to end toll discounts for Fast Lane

By Ryan Kost, Globe Correspondent

AUBURN -- The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority wants to eliminate all toll discounts including those for Fast Lane and residents of certain Boston neighborhoods in order to avoid an overall toll increase next year.

Executive Director Alan LeBovidge unveiled the plan when he presented a budget for the current fiscal year at the Turnpike board meeting this morning in this town 50 miles southeast of Boston.

The Turnpike Authority would also be forced to dip into reserves, ask for additional help from the Legislature, and seek further cost reductions through restructuring to avoid an overall toll increase, LeBovidge said. The elimination of the discounts would require the approval of lawmakers.

The Fast Lane discount "was initially put in as an incentive," to encourage drivers to join the program and buy transponders, LeBovidge said outside the meeting. "I think people get it."

The discounts now amount to unfunded mandates, LeBovidge said, that should be paid for by the Legislature, which has forced them on the Turnpike Authority.

Board member Mary Connaughton objected to LeBovidge's plan because she said it would not avoid a toll hike.

"Eliminating the Fast Lane discount is a toll increase," Connaughton said. "I think trying to go toward that program is a huge mistake."

A study commissioned by the Turnpike found that ending the discount programs would bring in an additional $18.3 million in revenues a year. The authority is facing a $70 million deficit this budget year and a $100 million deficit in next year's spending plan.

Drivers who use electronic Fast Lane transponders currently receive a discount of 25 cents at the tolls at Allston-Brighton and Route 128, paying $1 instead of $1.25. They also pay 50 cents less at the at the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels, where the cost for Fast Lane users is $3 instead of $3.50.

The board did not vote on the budget today and plans to discuss the spending plan again at its September meeting. Members did approve an operating budget today for the next two months to keep the authority running.

LeBovidge's proposal allots $26 million for capital projects near Boston, which includes fixing the Boston University viaduct, upgrading the Prudential Tunnel, implementing a new inspection program, and completing current projects. The plan also includes $16 million for capital projects near the western section of the Turnpike.

Connaughton argued against using reserves as a stopgap, saying it could harm the turnpike's bond ratings and cause future problems.

"We are lining ourselves up for an enormous toll increase next year," Connaughton said.

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