Public hearings set on Turnpike toll hike proposal

November 20, 2008 06:19 PM Email| Comments (3)| Text size – +

By Globe Staff

Troubled by the toll hike proposal? Massachusetts residents will be able to sound off in December and January at four public hearings about the steep increases being planned by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

Hearings will be held Dec. 10 at the State Transportation Building in Boston, Dec. 15 at Lynn City Hall, Dec. 17 at the Framingham Memorial Building, and Jan. 7 at Worcester City Hall.

The Turnpike board gave preliminary approval Friday to toll increases that could cost daily commuters from the western suburbs $250 to $500 more a year.

Under the proposal, the cost of driving through the Allston-Brighton and Weston tollbooths would rise to $2 for cash customers early next year, up from $1.25.

Leaving Logan International Airport, already the most expensive drive in town, could become one of the pricier trips in the country. Tolls at the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels would double, from $3.50 to $7 for cash customers and from $5.25 to $9 for taxicab drivers, who must pay a commercial fee.

The toll hike proposal has caused a public outcry and has some legislators, including House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, pushing for a gas tax increase instead to raise funds for the financially strapped transportation system.

Written testimony and comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Office of the General Counsel, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160, Boston MA 02116.

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3 comments so far...

Globe Staff:
You are missing the most critical elements:
- the increase for a north shore commuter would be MUCH worse: $3.50 per day. If you assume 5 to 6 trips per week into the city - that's an increase of over $1000 per year. This is insane and unfair.
- the big dig has to be paid - fine. However, why should the traffic going east-west (I90, 1 or 1A) pay for it when most of the big dig cost was on the north-south I93 highway?
- why impose the greatest and unfair burden on the North Shore commuters on route 1A who don't have other options? - the tunnels or bridge are the only ways in the city (no side roads, unless you want to swim!)
- why not impose a tax on gas so ALL drivers can pay for it? If you want to make this even fairer, you could charge a different rate for that tax so that drivers from counties in and around Boston have a much higher burden than people in further away counties?
I hope many people go to the hearings.

Posted by Frederic Brunel November 20, 08 08:22 PM

Please if you would explain WHY the Hearing is in Lynn? Why not Revere or Winthrop, two of the most impacted areas for Toll usage? Is it the fact that folks won't bother to go that far to complain (live) that this is a very unfair burden.
A GAS TAX would be fairer for all and accomplish much. I am sure that the Gov. Patrick already has this in mind and he's going to hit the Citizens with BOTH!
So much for NO NEW TAXES!

Posted by B.Flavin, Winthrop November 21, 08 08:17 AM

I would not be effected by the increased tolls but the concept is outrageous.. go with the gas tax increase and add to that the legislature going on a 3 day week and being paid accordingly. Do not give Wilkerson or the sex-nut senator pensions.

Posted by honestabe November 21, 08 09:06 AM