Pike board approves toll hike

welcome to TAXachusetts

If the tolls go up, I will use the secondary roads 90% of the time. The tunnels tolls are high enough already.

I travel the Pike from Milford, MA. I pay 70 cents each way back and forth from my job in Newton, MA. I am a single mom and I support my six year old son. I also have an 18 year old daughter in college.I can't afford any more tolls. The Pike is finished. Leave us alone.

That's the way to combat the current financial crisis. Rachtet up the expenses of Boston commuters by another thousand a year. Why on earth do I still live in MA? I have no idea.

Rather than putting all of the tax burden on the drivers from the north and west of Boston that are forced to now pay higher tolls, how about distributing the tax burden to the rest of the population that also drives? Let's distribute the tax to the rest of the driving population, perhaps through a gas tax, so a certain segment of the population is not saddled with much higher taxes.

Yeah, the citizens of the commonwealth are in desparate need of money too!

Everyone returns these politicians to Boston every single election. Why would they ever change? There is nothing fair / equitable about this, there's nothing that can be seen as good business or stewardship. The Pike should be a part of Mass Highway and if they need money it should be a state gas tax. And - if anyone wants to stop spending more than revenues allow for, stop returning these bozos to the statehouse.

Seriously?!

I'm really concerned about the toll hike at the tunnels.

Do they intend to raise the toll by $5, which would make the tunnel tolls $8.50?

As a resident of Winthrop, this horrifies me. Most folks who need to use the tunnels cannot afford that, and not all tunnel communities are eligible for the program that helps East Boston residents.

Additionally, if I were a visitor to the Boston area and was immediately greeted with an $8.50 to get from the airport to the city, I would be appalled. That is NOT a way to welcome tourists to our great city.

Isn't there a better way? I hope so. This will be a hardship for many folks around here, not to mention very bad PR.

I thought the turnpike authority was scheduled to be eliminated?

Wonderful. On the bright side, that means toll takers will toss you fewer grubby $1 bills when you dare give them a $20.

This may backfire on the state - toll collection may actually stagnate - or even drop - if people are forced to seek out alternate routes and/or go over to public transportation. For those of us that can't always do that or don't have those options, it's gonna hurt. A lot.

It is absolutely ridiculous that they are not considering tolls on 93. I live in Cambridge and commute to Providence everday. I'm on 90 for ten miles each way (which will now cost me $8/day) and I never come close to using any of the tunnels from the Big Dig. Commuters on 93 benefit from the Big Dig everyday yet there's nothing happening to spread some of the debt onto their dashboards. We elected Deval because we were tired of the inefficiency of the last administration, not so he could drop their bill in our laps.

Isn't it just amazing. How much of our money can the goverment spend? All of it!

Here's what I don't get. Why are we talking of toll hikes on one hand and then talking about taking all the tolls down west of 128? Doesn't seem to make sense.

Here's a solution to the Mass Turnpike toll issue. GET RID OF ALL THE TOLLS AND INCREASE THE GAS TAX IN MASSACHUSETTS TODAY! Why should the burden of the big dig and mismanagement of the turnpike authority rest on those who live west of Boston? Increasing the gas tax across the entire state spreads the cost out to ALL residents. Those who drive more, pay more. A simple and equitable solution. STOP the nonsense and do this today!!

Good job not passing question 1...now they're going to come at you at all angles and take and take. First T doubles parking fees, now the tolls will go up...as long as we keep giving they'll keep taking.

There is, in fact, a fair way around an increase - raise the gas tax by 11 cents a gallon. But I guess it's easier to dump the problem on commuters from MetroWest.

A minor increase in the gas tax seem more equitable. As to the turnpike authority, I heard this morning that they want to revamp the ramps where tolls would be eliminated at a cost of 100s of millions. Leave it alone for now. Put up a few signs for a dollar 3.80. I recall William Weld making a show of tearing down some toll booths. Give Deval a sledge hammer and call a press conference. P.S Now that gas prices have fallen don't you short memory idiots forget what we went through last Summer. DON'T opt for an SUV.

Is seems odd that people who live/work west of Boston have to pay higher tolls so people who live/work north and south of Boston have a smoother commute. I know the big dig helps everybody, but if that's the case, I think a nominal tax increase paid by the entire state would be more equal than just raising tolls.

Ridiculous. I'll simply be forced to boycott the pike. Most of the arteries that I need to use are closed most of the time anyway. Specifically exit 24 (I93 no. and So.) from the TWT westbound overnight is closed 4 of the 5 nights that I drive to my third shift job in Dorchester from my home in Swampscott.
This has been going on for years. I should get a refund for the tremendous inconvenience that is forced upon me 4 nights a week for the past few years.
What good is a new highway system when continuous and extremely frustrating road closures become the everyday norm?? I know that I am not alone in this regard

If Massachusetts was a company they would either (a) close or (b) ask Paulson for bailout money. This state is so poorly run. What's a taxi ride from Logan to South Station going to cost now, like $40?

Can't we just screw over visitors and up the hotel tax a few bucks?

So anyone who uses the A/B tolls now has to add a few hundred bucks per year to their commuting budget. God help anyone that uses the tunnels on a regular basis.

Sure....what the helll...might as well screw the folks on the North Shore again.

Must be nice for the folks who commute on Rt 93...enjoy the free ride everyday folks.

I guess a gas tax makes no sense...after all that would mean that everyone who uses the roads who pay for them, instead of just those who live in certain areas.

Thanks Mr. Governor, you've finally made it worth my while to commute through Everett instead of taking the tunnel.

Why not increase the sales tax for the western part of the state to take care of other budget issues?

Great job not looking at the economy Boston. Those of us that are fortunate enough to still have jobs and are making less money now have to pay more to get in...We finally save money on gas just to turn around and give it back in tolls. Depressing to think we voted for most of you to the positions you are in.

This is the most insane increase yet..... I drive from Nahant to Boston every day, I guess its time for the commuter rail.....

Here's a solution to the Mass Turnpike toll issue. GET RID OF ALL THE TOLLS AND INCREASE THE GAS TAX IN MASSACHUSETTS TODAY! Why should the burden of the big dig and mismanagement of the turnpike authority rest on those who live west of Boston? Increasing the gas tax across the entire state spreads the cost out to ALL residents. Those who drive more, pay more. A simple and equitable solution. STOP the nonsense and do this today!!

Do residents of East Boston get a discount? I feel bad for them, that's so much money. I guess this will encourage Boston residents to take public transportation to the airport.

Are you kidding me? For what, better service? It took me one hour and 15 minutes to get from Ashland to Watertown last Sunday night because of the debacle that is the Weston tolls eastbound. I know they are trying to force everyone's hand and make us get Fastlane, but this was just ridiculous. They have two signs up; one that says Cash Only to the left, the other says FastLane to the right. Then when you finally get up there, you find that the two outside booths on BOTH SIDES are Fastlane, while the middle three are Cash Only. Nice signage, Turnpike Authority. Making everyone criss cross for no reason is what caused the huge backup. Spend less money on your sign decision makers, and leave the tolls where they are.

This is crazy. The working class are always the target! We are the most effect since we use the masspike to communute daily to and from work. Why must the citizens of the state, bare the financial responsibility of our elected officials failures. I'm a hard-working citizen trying to raise a family, yet everytime our eleted officials keep raising our taxes for their pockets. They should have a better system in the turnpike in place, so the massport toll collectors don't pocket our money. That's 1 reason why we're in a deficit!

Yes lets raise the tolls.. so we can pay for more outreagous salaries, pensions and scandals.. I love it.. this is how the state covers everything up just ask for more money..Lets give them all cars, gas cards, and 50 sick days, early retirement, 40 holidays and free health benefits...

$7 for the tunnels, lets push more traffic into Eastie and Chelsea. It will end up costing the State more money in the long run by people avoiding the tolls.

I would like for someone to explain to me why a gas tax doesn't make sense...

When are we going to put tolls on 93 North and South ??

It is such a joke to see all the toll collectors manning the booths as people whiz through the FastLane. Guess we gotta keep paying them for doing nothing, because what's the use of being a state rep if you can't even get your broether-in-law a do-nothing job?

It'll keep happening until voters demand better.

Doesn't affect me in any way imaginable. I get on at 495 and get off at 30. Very occasionally I go to the airport or into Boston.

Maybe this will get more people on trains, and less on the Pike (or into carpools). So my commute will get better.

It will suck to be on Route 9, though. Bet people will "save money" by sitting on there for an hour to "save money":

Unbelievable. My commute is barely affordable as it is. If the Red Sox can freeze ticket prices why can't we freeze toll hikes? Thanks Deval. And does short term mean temporary - like the tolls were suppose to be until the highway was paid for......several YEARS ago?

Mass Pike ineptitude should not be passed onto the drivers. The people will revolt.

We can't continue to penalize the same commuters over and over again. An increase of $3.50 for tunnel tolls is outreagous! Personally, I don't spend $7 a day on lunch. At a time when economic hardships are evident, we need to think of other ways to generate revenue needed to pay off big dig debt. North Shore represenatives need to stand up for their constiuents. I commend Governor Patrick and his effort to sustain our transportation system for the long haul, but come on....this large of an increase is just not fair.

Raise the tolls again?! You've got to be kidding me. How in God's name can it even be possible that the Turnpike be short on cash? Have you seen the amount of cars that go through the Mass Pike tolls? I sit there during traffic hour and keep thinking to myself... damn, this state has one heck of a racket going on. If the Mass Pike Authority can't figure out how they can do their jobs with the money that they have (which is no small amount by the way), they should quit or get fired.

Seems like every time someone in the state goes, "we need more money"... they automatically raise the tolls. How bout raising the gas tax? That way we ALL suffer!

Now if they'd just cap pensions at 40% of the best 20 years average pay with a maximum of $60K, eliminate the differentials for working on the pike as opposed to regular Mass. highways, and cut pay across the board for pike employees (like 30K per year for the cashiers instead of 53K and other jobs cut similarly to what private industry would pay), then they might just be able to handle their debts and obligations.

I find it outrageous that commuters east of Boston and the north shore will have to pay $7.00 for the tunnels to pay for the big dig.
This is a cost that should be shared thru out the state.
The towns and cities east and north are already strapped with the cost of the Boston Harbor cleanup. which everyone in the state benefits from yet only the few communities on the MWRA are paying for it. Enough is Enough. Lets get our legislaturers to share the burden fairly.

Why is it that there is no oversight for the obvious overspending and mis-management at Massport, MBTA, or Turnpike Authority? They always say they need more money, get it, and then squander it every single time. Naturally, it's always when consumers have their minds on something else, like keeping their jobs and paying their bills. Between the toll hike and the T parking rate increase, it's an abomination. No one, corporate or otherwise, is ever held accountable for where the money goes. It's sickening to me that "there is simply no way around an increase in the short term." Any reason why they can't think long term? It's just tiresome.

Looks like I won't be taking the pike anymore.

As usual, there's no accountability.

Everything is ok because Deval Patrick is going to lower my property taxes and Obama is going to take care of my mortgage and gas.

Yes this is a perfect time to do this while everyone is struggling and the economy is sinking. Let's suck more money out of our citizens while they're struggling to get by. We might want to re-think this one until things get better people.

Wouldn't need a price increase if wll these crooks weren't embezzling so much money from the system. And I am sick of hearing Deval say he inherited a poor infrastructure. Enough time has passesd, he needs to start taking responsability for the current state things.
He has done nothing but write a book.

$7 is ridiculous. The only people who would pay $7 to go through the Ted WIlliams tunnel would be the ones taking an occasional trip to the airport. This will only serve to further isolate the already too isolated communities of East Boston and Revere from the city.

Meanwhile, people will continue to use the underground portion of 93 (by far the most expensive part of the Big Dig) for free.

I love Massachusetts.

Is anyone going to protest? This is absurd - one small area cannot pay for the entire big dig. It is time for a paradigm shift. It is everyone's debt - just raise the tax on gasoline.

From $3.50 to $7? That is absurd. Why do the taxpayers have to pay for the Turnpike Authority's mismanagement over and over? Everytime they screw up and have budget problems the easy solution is jack up the tolls. Enough is enough. Fire the morons running the agency and hire COMPETENT people. I'm sick of it and am not alone.

Time to move out of this state. Massachusetts and New Jersey are the worst states in the union with Pennsylvania not far behind. No wonder, all are heaavly Democratic with unions that have the legislature by the throat. Only state in the union that is loosing population. Join the crowd; leave those who do not make contributions to society and the Beacon Hill crowd alone together.

And how many of your morons voted for Deval Patrick, and how many of you morons voted for your Democrat state senator and representative to the state house?

Stop your crying, the morons of this state have the power to make change, yet you are all to weak to do something.

Stop the whining and pay up. You elect officials that love taxes, so what the heck do you morons expect?

GREAT!!! Now they can pay for MORE Booze-Cruises, $200K pensions for incompetence, and $50K+ Toll Takers. What does it matter that people will no longer be able to afford to get to work and that they have done NO MAINTENANCE on the Sumner or Callahan in decades. The HACKS must prevail!!!

Why do Massachusetts residents living in the WEST have to carry the brunt, when hundreds of thousands of NH residents commute into our state travelling on our roads for free!!

This is ridiculous. This bloodsucking state always has their hands out and $70 percent of the people voted against question 1. This is what you get, give them the impression that you like to pay for their reckless spendig. Way to go Mass.

$0.50 more per day, not a huge amount but why give in, looks like I'll just have to take Storrow to get past Watertown Square

Why are the residents of the Western Suburbs being asked to foot the bill for the entire big dig and all the over runs of the Mass Turnpike Authority? This is not fair and another, more equitable solution (gas tax) for all commuters, needs to be put in place.

This option represents the least path of resistance, and should (and hopefully will) be challenged in court.

The Lincoln Tunnel in Manhattan is $8. It is 2008, get real folks. We have to pay for what we use. With that said, it is time for tolls at the NH border. The free ride should be over!!! Live Free or Die should mean if you work in NH. If you need our jobs, help us pay for the roads you use.

Those of you complaining (and I fully agree with you) need to make their voice heard somewhere other than this message board. There will be public hearings on these proposed hikes. Go to them and let your voice be heard. There are many other options for raising money. As others have mentioned, the hotel or gas tax could be raised. Also, what about raising the sales tax from 5% to 6%? That would bring in a ton of extra money.

Has anyone mentioned the back-up at the Tobin this will cause? From where I live I have the choice to take the Sumner or Tobin - which do you think I'l take from now on?
Idiots!!!

I'll bet ... if the Tunnel Tolls were actually reduced back to $2 bucks where it was ... the increase in traffic volume ... would actually increase the revenue !
As well as reducing local city street traffic.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

I LIVE IN WINTHROP AND I TAKE THE TUNNEL IN EVERYDAY....YOU KNOW THE TUNNEL BUILT IN THE 1920'S HOW IS IT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE BIG DIG WHICH IS USED BY 90% SOUTH SHORE COMMUTERS? HOW CAN NORTH AND WEST PAY TOLLS BUT SOUTH SHORE COMES RIGHT IN!

PLEASE...will you all stop crying about toll hikes, taxes, over spending...YOu PeOple continue to re-elect he same idiots year after year after year......YOU deserve it......

REALLY!!!!!!! These people are out of their minds!!!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE DO NOT USE THE TUNNELS!!!! I am luck I am a Boston res and get a discount, but DO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU!!!! This state disgusts me. I am at a total loss over this.

This is incredibly stupid and short sighted. They just put me out of a job and I'm sure there are many more people out there in my situation. Based on this new increase my travel costs will be $100 a week which I can't afford.

Why should the state's failure to manage be borne solely by North Shore residents?! Where are the tolls on 93 and Rt 3?! This is unfair taxation! If the State really needs to raise revenue they should increase the gas tax. They could increase that tax by minimal amounts and still raise substantial revenue.

It's George Bush's fault.

Remember 2006? Together We Can? What a bunch of suckers all you moonbat Deval supporters are. I'm sure you'll still re-elect him in 2010 if he sticks around. The stupid always stick with the stupid (i.e Barney Frank re-elected by a 2-1 margin). We deserve it!

Of course....thanks Du-nothing!

A gas tax, and perhaps an airport entry toll. Spread the burden to all drivers in the state. Can someone follow up on this and find out why it's not been proposed? Or if it has - why it's been rejected? I think the taxpayers deserve transparency.

As to those myopic MetroWest folk who only seem concerned about their $0.75 increase, don't worry about the NorthShorers who will see a $3.50 increase. Good looking out for your fellow citizens. East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Lynn, Everett - mostly working class folks who now have to shoulder the burden on the Big Dig? That's ridiculous.

I miss Mitt Romney

get ready for massive back-ups on the Tobin bridge. Its woth it to save $4 a day.

Ryan from Cambridge... I know this is missing the point, but if you get off the pike in west newton, and get back on 95 by Newton-Wellesley hospital, you'll probably save $1000 a year (if the hike goes through)....at least until they put tolls there, too. I do that, and I think might be little faster depending on traffic.

You want to put tolls on 93?? Stupid idea, in my humble opinion... I feel your pain about tolls, I really do - this hike is absurd, but it already takes an hour to get from the Braintree split to Boston, itll take 3 times that with tolls in the way. .. Gas tax sounds like a good idea.

I'm generally all for tolls, but these increases are just completely ridiculous. Why not a 10 cent gas tax instead? Folks got used to paying $3-4/gallon for gas, with gas cheap, now is the time to make that change.

I'll tell you who is going to pay $7 to go through the tunnels to the airport - The 20,000 people or so who work at Logan (and who are not eligible for the discount that residents of East Boston are). Most of those jobs are not high-paying ones, either (think - all the workers at the concessions and baggage handlers for the airlines).
So remember MetroWest - you are definitely getting hosed, but it could be far, far worse.
As for those of you on the South Shore and New Hampshire, don't worry. You'll get yours. Baddour can't protect you forever.

Jonathan - tax on gasoline does not go to Mass Pike.
Chuck - you are a voice crying in the wilderness. This state will never change as long a voters keep putting the same people in office.
Deval - where is my property tax reduction?

I agree with all the statements about burdening the working class during the morning and evening hours. The tolls continue to force the people who are financially and economically helping the state, by forcing them to pay more money...and for what reason? Because the state didnt budget correctly? Once again the government fails to manage itself correctly and the working class get screwed by paying more money out of their pocket to live and work in MA. By the way, the Turnpike Authority was NEVER supposed to continue to exist, yet we still put up every year by having them manage the roads. Look at the numbers, the majorty of the toll money goes to paying the employees wages/salaries, and the rest i believe the number is 20 cents goes the roads.....its time for a change

Massholes getting what they deserve for voting Dems into office

a double in price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great reporting Noah Bierman. Way to get to the bottom of what Deval really thinks.

This is just more friggin Bull Crap - I live in Winthrop and my office is in Southie - for a 4 mile commute I'll be paying $30 a week in tolls.
That's just ridiculous - for all of those jackasses that voted no on Question 1 I have only this to say - In MA we continue to get screwed by a state government that has never been able to manage costs, plan accordingly and function efficiently - this is just another example of the inept and pathetic bueracracy in this ass backward state I love to call home.

Can anyone tell the residents of MA where are our tax money goes? I am so tired of being an abused taxpayer. Look at the benefits our state workers get and then look at those in the private sector. They get the best medical coverage at low costs, while some can't afford what they have in a State that mandates healthcare coverage. Our politicians are robbing us blind.

This is absolutely insane - doesnt this state have enough money without having to raise tolls that much!

On again.
Off again.
Remove the tolls.
Raise the tolls.
MAKE A DECISION and stick with it.
In the meantime, PLEASE, everyone, take back roads.

My wife travels the Mass Pike from TJX to 495 most days and EVERY day it's a nightmare, traffic jammed the whole way...it's a pathetic display each night that makes my two young kids crazy in the car after daycare each day.

Fast Lane doesn't seem to help.

We HATE the Mass Pike, big time.

Guess our leaders are starved for ideas that could distribute the costs fairly among all citizens who benefit from the Big Dig. The new configuration does not just help drivers, it speeds deliveries, allows us to use less gasoline by reducing waits in traffic jams etc. These savings are passed on to all, so all should pay. Here's just a sample of what might be possible --
1. Put tolls on 93, 95, the Cape bridges, etc.
2. Add a $2.00 cost per ticket for all people flying in and out of Logan
3. Add .05 cents (no not %) to the meals tax
4.

Governor Deval Patrick admitted in an op-ed piece in Thursday's Globe that "there is simply no way around an increase in the short term."

This is absolute, 100% Sheep-Dip! Patrick is the most recent Governor to lie through his Teeth and cover up the biggest Financial Scam since the Dutch purchased Manhattan from the unsuspecting Indians for $1 This transfer of $$, from the added Tolls on the Pike, to cover the multi-billion dollar Tab for the "Big Pig", is an outrage!!. The" BIG DIG" will cost MA Taxpayers $22 friggin' Billion Dollars over a 30 year period!! WHERE ARE THE INDICTMENTS?! Bechtel, Lobbyists, Union Officials.... the slimy list goes on and on.. Why should WE the TAXPAYERS have to pay for these screw ups? By the way, the Turnpike was paid for DECADES ago! The traitor politicians got their crooked claws into the Authority and look at the results! It has been a giant Ponzi scheme, with regular citizens paying the freight ! WHAT A JOKE! Any wonder why people are leaving this cesspool of a State by the thousands? I will be one of the fortunate ones after my son finishes High School..

How else are they going to pay for their pensions..uh, I mean, road maintenance?

Why is there no toll on the Zakim bridge? Why is that beautiful, new bridge free while we pay to use the old tunnels and a turnpike that has been paid for many years ago? Stick it to the people who use it, not the rest of the people. Up the gas tax!

That public hearing before the final vote is going to be outstanding...

Heres an idea ,clean up the welfare and bs programs that everyone in this state loves, and then there would be plenty of money for the roads. I already pay enough taxes that should more than cover the roads. I dont have any illegitimate children so i shouldnt have to pay for anybody elses. I pay taxes for ROADS, schools, police, etc. Not handouts.

How about selling some land along the Pike to generate cash?

Heres an idea ,clean up the welfare and bs programs that everyone in this state loves, and then there would be plenty of money for the roads. I already pay enough taxes that should more than cover the roads. I dont have any illegitimate children so i shouldnt have to pay for anybody elses. I pay taxes for ROADS, schools, police, etc. Not handouts.

You people had your chance-you could have voted YES on Question 1. Now, you are having to feed the hydra-headed monster that is the MA state government/kleptocracy. and, hold on to your wallets-every one of those hacks laid off by the turnpike will wind up "working' at MASSPORT!

Oh and I hope tcwlmo was being sarcastic in #46. Otherwise he's an idiot.

It is all our fault - we vote in these bums.
Go talk to your friends, work associates, family, etc who vote for all these incumbents.

If the state were smart they would raise the gas tax immediately.. With gas going down so much every day, no one would even notice an increase in the gas tax.. The state should get rid of all tolls and only use a gas tax.. Make the T and the commuter rail more affordable. The state should be encouraging people to take public transportation, and make it more affordable for those who don't have any choice. People who work in boston are paying thousands of dollars a year just to commute to work.. (approx $5000 for my wife and I to take the commuter rail a distance of 15 miles).

So you want to put tools on Rt 93 North and South. Brilliant!!!

That would be great! Turn a 1 hour commute into a 2 hour commute. Just what we need, spend more time idling in traffic wasting gas and putting more greenhouse gases into the air. The traffic on Rt 93 is bad enough. Let's not add more to it. Doing that that would mean a 14 hour work day for a lot of people now (inc 4 hours in traffic). Can't wait.

Just get rid of these stupid tolls once and for all and then add in a 20 cent a gallon gas tax. However, is it fair for people in North Adams to pay for the big dig? I don't think so thus limit the gas tax to stations Worcester and east.

Increasing these tolls will just push more commuters onto the side streets. So the state will lose money doing this I think.

Please state how you voted on question 1 before you post a whine here.
Thank You

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I make over 150k and can afford to pay it no problem BUT you liberal fools who won't dare to even consider changing leadership EVER in this state will vote these same theives into office again and again and again!!!!!
Here's my shoulder if that will help but do yourself some good and vote for REAL CHANGE nrxt time- you fooooooools!

Are you kidding me? I thought it was a joke. 3.50 to 7? New York bridges are cheaper! So what about the Tobin? What's that going to go to? So not only does the T nearly double it's parking lot rates, now if you want to drive into Boston, you have to pay $7 each time? We are all feeling the pain of this terrible economy right now and to unfairly hit us all where it hurts...where we have no choices, really, it's ...well, it's shameful.

Housing/renting in Boston suburbs is already outrageous.

It makes it completely unaffordable to live in Massachusetts.

What about the poor people in Chelsea, Revere and Lynn without taxpayer funded SUVs and Caddys? You charge them $7 bucks to go into the city via car and $4 to park and then pay take the train. Why not just fill in the tunnel and ask for our money back from Bechtel?

They hiked cigarettes three bucks and are still looking for ways to sqeeze the publice. I don't smoke but the numerous hits that every group is taking from this state is a joke. What do you think would happen if you moved a whole state here and they got to live under this corrupt leader ship for so long. It would not be tolerated. If we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of believe me they will do it.

Take a look at CT. They got rid of ALL their tolls. Raise the gas tax. (and I like the idea of raising the hotel and/or sales tax if necessary). Fair and equitable people. This is not rocket science. Removing tolls altogether allows traffic to flow, reduces emissions, not to mention road rage and stupidity (why can't people figure out how to use the fast lane anyway?!?!)

This problem has been in the making for 20 years. The toll increase is to pay for the Big Dig, not just some recent mismanagement. The irony is that the Turnpike Authority didn't even run the Big Dig, MassHighway did! When the Big Dig's price tag went through the roof the project got droped on the Turnpike Authority because they could raise the tolls, MassHighway's roads are all toll free. Next the MBTA will be raising their fares, to pay for the debt MassHighway droped on them!!!!!

Storrow Drive has just become my best friend... and enough hatred on the folks that work on the Hill, be mad at your elected officials. Some of us get paid very little for what we do for the Commonwealth!

I'm guessing the Board Member all have a "get out Tolls free" card. I recall a laughin tag line what would happen if there was a war and no one showed up? Raising the tolls will only reduce the use of these thoroughfares. Sound like a knee jerk reaction to me but for what purpose? Perhapps they thought they were voting themselves a raise?

Didn't we just have a toll hike within the past year?...why do these people in government think anytime they are in a pickle they can just raid the pockets of consumers as if we're not strugling enough as it is...cut costs first!...why do we need toll takers making $70k a year!...ridiculous...I will also use the back roads...this on top of what I am sure will be excise tax hikes, property tax hikes all at a time when we're paying more and more for basics like food and heating, housing that is still one of the most expensive markets in the country and our jobs are at risk not only from the downturn but to offshoring...it is becoming impossible for the regular person to make a living in this State.

Currently I use the pike between Boston and W. Newton with Speed Pass. I pay $2.00 a day . If they re-open W. Newton with Speed Pass my cost will increase to $6.00 per day. That's 200%.
Thanks a lot. Looks like I'll start clogging up the secondary roads. You meet a better lot of people.
P.S. I voted REPUBLICAN for governor.

I agree with Jackson. Why not set up tolls on the NH border? They are using our roads to commute into Massachusetts, and this way the burden will be spread out. People who live in Metrowest and the city are hurt by the pike tolls. If I want to get out to 128 or Natick, it will cost be $8 RT to go 12 miles. Ridiculous.

People need to stop complaining about start realizing that we are in dire straits. Everyone wants things to improve, but no one is willing to do anything about it. This is really a modest tax that will keep NO ONE off the clogged Turnpike. Anyone who has driven the Pike between the hours of 7 and 9 or 5 and 7 knows how congested that road is. Since it is getting so much use, why not make people pay a little more? Doesn't bother me in the least. Besides, if you get a FastLane transponder and link it to a credit card, you won't even notice it. Oh, and no one was celebrating when the gas prices dropped $1 a gallon, so to me, this is still a good deal.

Wow, what a suprise. They announce that we will still have to pay cops to handle construction zones in Boston instead of flaggers (only state in the country to do this) AND they'll also double the tolls to pay for our bloated, corrupt gov't. How is it possible that the corrupt unions and politicians can continue to do this to us? When does it end? Oh right, never because the same people just keep getting voted into power. What a disaster. Everyone can just look at Mass as an example of what the rest of the country is going to be dealing with under a pure democrat gov't..

I would crawl through broken glass and barbed wire before giving any more money to these slack-jawed thieves. But these thieves will all continue winning elections because there's a "D" after their name. How much do we need to endure until there's an uprising?

I am an East Boston resident and work in the Back Bay. I like to take a taxi home every once in a while to save time and not have to deal with the drama of the "T". There is supposed to be no toll into East Boston but the taxi drivers won't take you to East Boston unless you pay the toll for them. With the increase I will never be able to take a taxi home again without getting into an argument over whom is going to pay the toll. With this increase there will nothing but more problems and will not solve the situation.

What a douche! He campaigned on the promise of getting rid of the tolls!

Comparing a tunnel in Manhattan to Massachusetts is laughable. Manhattan is known as the most expensive city in the country amd is 5 times the size of Boston.

I stopped using the pike awhile ago, so this won't huge increase won't affect me, but what bothers me is that at some point there has to be cuts made that will make ends meet aside from passing the costs to the consumer whenever necessary!! This method of just passing over expense is going on way too often in many agencies and companies. I have seen the salaries and bonuses that CEOs & administrators are "earning" while rank & file employees are barely able to survive and it is a disgrace!!

Why not restructure the pay scale, the rest of the state/country are doing without pay raises, paying for health insurance etc.... I wonder if toll collectors, managerment, directors etc... are doing their part?? are they demanding raises ?? are they not happy to have a job?? I know I am.

The T just gave their employees a 14% raise!!! (there nexted to raise prices) and yes they haven't had a raise in 4 years but, 14%!!! I haven't had a raise in 6years But, i'm still happy to have a JOB!!! Unions UGH!!

To all of you who drive these roads and voted no on #1:
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HO HO HO HEE HEE HEE

If the tunnel tolls go to $7 I will start paying in pennies every morning just for the heck of it.

MA commuters have been getting by on ridiculously low toll rates. Time to join the 21st century and pony up if you're going to commute by car. I think the tolls are very fair indeed.

Perhaps you might consider car-pooling or taking public transit.

Glad I moved to NH. Most I have to pay is $1. It is idiotic decisions like this that encouraged me to move.

Why are you idiots blaming Deval on this one? He did not raise the Tolls, they were raised by the Turnpike Authority! The Turnpike Authority is mostly made up of Romney, Weld and Celuci appointiees. Get a grip and wait for Deval to take down the Turnpike Authority and get this state under control. He has already taken on the Police Unions, next the Turnpike.

For the 70% who voted against eliminating the income tax, consider this:
In 2006 MA state budget was 26 billion with a population of 6.4 million
In 2006 Pennsylvania state budget was 24 billion with a population of 12.6 million. The land size of PA is more than 4 times MA. Substantially more miles of highway.
In 2006 New Jersey state budget was 28 billion with a population of 8.6 million.
We know that PA and NJ have fat in their budget. MA is OBESE. A meat clever needs to be used. The money is there. We pay too much. How do you 70% nitwits feel?

"Massachusetts is NOT on the move!"

Change needs to come to Massachusetts...politicians are crooks, their should be term limits on every single government position. We the people have lot to do with the mess, hold public officials responsible...very simple but not sure why we just can't seem to get it. Gax tax seems like a better idea..

Anger . . . building . . . blood pressure . . . climbing . . . pulse . . . racing . . . must . . . remain . . . . GAAAAHHHH!

Overfed fatcats idiot government waste! More money!! Hate it!

HATE IT!!

Incoherent anger, can't . . . go . . . on . . . head . . . exploding . . .

Why does this vote surprise anyone? Has the government EVER voted to maintain or reduce fss and taxes? As for those complaining about west and north suburbs paying the bill, how about those that use I-93 who are STILL paying for the harbor cleanup? I would have no problem paying a toll, as long as you take your fair share of the harbor costs (which by the way are heftier than the tolls you are now paying). There is one thing that is confuding, though. The harbor cleaup was for Boston Harbor, of which the city of Boston is the major beneficary. As for the Big Pig, its justification was to move traffic quicker through Boston (albeit by dumping all no-through traffic off prior to the tunnel). Since Boston seems to be getting the most benefit from both of these public wallet drainers, why doesn't the City of Boston pay for most of it? Look at it this way, as the cost to get workers in Boston rises, more and more companies will move to the burbs - then Boston will be a ghost town.

Does the Governor and the Turnpike Board even begin to understand the concept of fairness? - how is this fair? I commute from the North Shore and already pay $3.50 per day for the tunnel, what about the commuters that use 93 and commute into the city every day, they pay nothing and have actually reaped the benefits of the Big Dig more than others - this is outrageous- who is speaking for the people that continue to bear the unfair burden of the mismanaged Turnpike - as Dapper O'Neil used to say, "it's enough to make you sick".

Hey, I know, we can pay for it with our property tax relief Duval is getting us! We all ready pay a tax on gas, where's all that money going? Oh yes, $250,000 per year to Billy Bulger and more of the same to all the hacks.
SUCKERS!

Well... from now on whenever I need to use the pike at Allston-Brighton I'm just going to head north up on Storrow and catch 93 from there... might take me a couple miles out of my way, but I enjoying driving and not paying $2 because the whole turnpike authority is bloated and mismanaged.

Democrats never study Price elasticity of demand in economics.
A price drop usually results in an increase in the quantity demanded by consumers, so now that the vehicles avoid the tunnel and drive miles out of thier way to avoid the tolls... what have the Massachusetts Democrats done to the enviornment by increasing the carbon emmisions of Massachusetts commuters... and as they use lower speed thruways with traffic lights, what have they done to fuel efficency and our dependence on Oil... they've actually hurt the very principles they say they are for... thank you for voting NO on question 1..... Suckers

I don't understand how they can raise anything now- The economy has gone south, people are losing jobs, losing income, its like we are asking the people of Mass to go on welfare.

What gives?

As a user of the ted williams tunnel everyday this is very disturbing to double the toll. Especially since I'm just using it to commute to south boston everyday for work. why should I and the rest of the people on the north shore and metro west have to foot the bill of cost overruns. Why does everyone on the expressway and 93 get away scott free............ Please some one answer this. This is absolutly ridiculous. I guess I'll be clogging up traffic with everyone else on the secondary means of access to the city......

did you ever notice, when you pull up to a Toll Booth, the Toll Taker all of a sudden needs to count paper money or something, and if you happen to be in a position where you only have lets say a ten or a twenty dollar bill, and they need to make change, you get browbeat, and they give you back all ones ,,, must feel nice to wield such power,
it'll suck when those positions are all gone, might have to get a real job

$4 from weston to boston? I will definitely use the side roads. it will probably take me an extra 20 min but I am not going to spend that kind of money. do they ever think of the consequences? can the side roads handle the extra volume? do they care?

This is the message we sent to the mass state government when we voted down question one. It's not over yet ! More hikes to come. and all those that voted no on question one deserve it

It's time for tolls on 93 coming from the South Shore. Why do they get a free ride? Living on the North Shore my choices are route 1 with a rickety old bridge and a toll, and tunnels with an even bigger toll. Why does the South shore get a free ride? Nobody pays more than the people stuck with the Tobin and the tunnels. You A/B people have it easy in comparison.

Raise the gax tax, are you insane. Never mind equitable distribution of responsabilty based on usage through a proper gas tax. We are talking about a whole population of political hacks and their naer do well relatives that depend on the bueracracy inherent in collecting money through tolls and the like.

Everybody needs to get in touch with their local legislator and demand action on this. They can talk reorg and desperation all they want but at the end of the day it is about protecting as many troth feeding pigs as possible.

Will East Boston residents still get the ridiculous discount while the rest of us (in Winthrop and surrounding communities) have to pay $7 to gte into downtown Boston?

I do not Drive on the Mass Pike and do not have to pay tolls but I do take the MBTA to work and the MBTA has been hiking up their rates too.

To park at a MBTA parking lot right now I am paying 5.00 a day. Starting next week the MBTA will be charging 7.00 a day plus I get a Monthly T-Pass and pay 59.00 a month.

I think the Mass Toll and the MBTA should all disappear from Massachusetts.

Don't blame me. I voted for Muffy!

The second headline is that consumers continue to not spend money. Geez, I guess we're tired of being nickled and dimed to death from every direction. You can't blame consumers not "stimulating" the economy by spending on manufactured goods when we are being charged more for every necessity: transportation (both public and private) food, energy and other utilities, etc.

Get used to a lot more traffic on local roads in Chelsea and Everett as everyone bypasses the tunnels. Won't it be ironic when the revenues go down after the toll increase as everyone discovers the back routes.

bleacher bum:

The "we have to pay for what we use" argument is weak. How do you determine that you are actually paying for what you use? The Pike comes up with an arbitrary number, and you take it to mean that's the value of the use that you are getting?

By that token, any tax that is imposed on you is valid in some way. It doesn't make sense to sjust say "pay for what you use". They are paying for it already.

With a transponder, that's about $2,250/year in tolls alone for a commuter that has to take the pike from the n. shore. Add $4/gal gas (which it will be again one of these days) and you're over $6k/yr. Depending on your tax bracket, that's anywhere between $8k to $12k of your income before taxes.

Why are we who live 7 miles outside Boston or anyone else for that matter, having to foot the bill for the previous Governors who aided and abedded the crooks who went over budget time after time with the Big Dig? This is ridiculous! Raise the taxes on the state to pay for this eyesore but stop nickle and diming those who ride the CRAPPY turnpike and have to face the rudest "lack of" customer service representatives in the booths!

Its the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority - not the Screw Boston Commuters To Fund Things Already Paid For Authority. If the agency or the state needs money, it should be garnished by other means. Tolling only the commuting state residents is wrong and unfair. Yes we are the ones that use it most, blah blah blah. If state highways need this kind of outrageous direct funding from its commuters - then how come every single state road isn't taxed or tolled? Its BS, and anyone suggesting otherwise is full of it. We live in a state collective for a reason. We allow ourselves to be taxed for a reason. These tolls are akin to extortion to those that have to travel to work, All the while the cities and locations of commerce continue to push people away because of the rising cost of living.

What what happens to the nearby towns and travel routes wen everyone tries to avoid the tolls. You think Routes 1 and 16 are bad now? Just you wait and see...

I'm thankfully moving out of this rediculous state at the end of the month. Best of luck to you all.

The GW Bridge to get into New York costs $8 during rush hour, and the toll from Princeton NJ to the GW Bridge is $5.25. If you don't make enough to pay these rush hour fees, do what most people in New Jersey and West Chester County do - TAKE MASS TRANSIT OR VAN POOL!

Unfortunately, an increase in the gas tax would not generate revenue from the biggest offenders of traffic congestion and pavement destruction: truckers. Interstate truckers could simply buy gas in RI, CT, NY, VT, NH, or ME and drive through the Commonwealth without having to pay the MA gas tax. Remember, geographically MA is a small state. So, the only fair solution that will generate the transportation revenue needed by the Commonwealth are evenly distributed tolls. Put 'em up at the borders and at strategic locations in Greater Boston. And, for God's sake, send all of this revenue directly to transportation projects, not the general fund!

Immediately eliminate the Turnpike Authority. This would save more money than increasing tolls, just with the elimination of all of the salaries. All of the duplicate vehicles and equipment could also be sold, as well as the land where the maintenance stations are located. What a self-perpetuating mess the MTA is!

CEOs & administrators make way too much in the way of salaries & bonuses!!
Let them start reducing their paychecks here & throughout the country before passing anymore burden onto the consumers. I don't use the pike anymore and I don't smoke, but it isn't fair to just increase those fares & taxes everytime more money is needed. Stop building new structures, purchasing new equipment and wasting supplies. That would be a good start!!

Rte. 99 has never looked so good.

Heck, I'll even take Rte. 16, the Revere Beach Parkway, all the way to 28 to get to Cambridge or downtown Boston.

It really stinks when you live in Winthrop (or any neighboring community), and you look right AT Boston, and yet it can take you 45 minutes to get there. It's absurd, and unfair.

If they must do this, then there should be some relief built in for residents North/Northeast of the city. It's already hard enough getting into downtown, and now traffic will just be awful going through Chelsea and Everett.

These people are CRAZY. Nobody is going to suck up a $7 tunnel toll. I know I won't, even if it means I have to go out of my way and sit in traffic. This is not good for the local economy, and it punishes people who can least afford it.

I am so sick of this state. I've only lived here for 5 years and in that short amount of time seen the price of the T go from .90 cents to 2.00 and the Allston tolls go from .50 cents to 2.00. I'm so ready to move. Massachusetts is a joke.

Way to kick the working people while they are down! People are losing jobs, the economy is terrible, and Massacusetts helps out their people by raising yet another tax. Wasn't the vehicle registration hike enough? Should we just hand our paychecks over to the state every month. How about you cut expenses internally and stop buying million dollar curtains for the governor's office. I am moving to New Hampshire, this state is terrible.

For those of you ripping the 93 south crowd, please consider the fact that it takes like 5 hours to drive 10 miles each day. we must spend twice as much in gas since we are stuck in traffic for half of our lives. what the state really needs is a $15B mis-managed tunnel project that will alleviate traffic problems and solved all our problems. The Spirt of Massachusettes is the spirit of America--the spirit of the old and the new.

I thank God every day that I now live in Texas

They should LAY OFF all Turn Pike employees....eliminate the tolls...
$7 to get to Logan...is CRAZY

What is it with all you people saying "raise the gas tax?" Are you out of your minds?!? The government sucking more money from us BY ANY MEANS is not the answer. The people that are focusing on OVERSIGHT, MISMANAGEMENT, and CORRUPTION have it right. They get plenty of our money. Don't advocate to give them more!!!

Double the toll at the tunnels? Double the commuter rail parking rate? Hasn't anyone heard of incremental increases???

$7 to meet Ted Williams? That's a bargain! What? What do you mean $7 dollars to drive through his tunnel?

how much do the Board Members of the MTA get paid? Do they live in the real world ? Do they have mortgages and day care and food and utilities the way that the real world does? Just because the Pike goes through Newton doesn't mean that we all have partnerships at law firms, or run investment firms. Some of us live in Waltham and just drive THROUGH Newton to get to the Pike. What a joke. Thanks for making everything JUST A LITTLE harder.
Find out who the Board Members are. Find out where this phantom hearing is going to be. We have to be heard on this.

Wait till next year when Massport starts whining about the drop in people using Logan Airport because of the toll charges and the cost of a taxi and parking at the Airport. Will fly from T.F. Green in Providence for sure now.

I will have to drive to Carlos' house to carpool into the city. We then will not use the toll road. Maybe we can get more people to ride with us.

Hey Mass, has anyone seen Ben Dover?

Once again the taxpayers are expected to pay for the fraud and corruption of the Big Dig disaster. When will the people become angry enough to do something about the crooked politicians and the contractors who bribe them?

i have an IDEA.I will waking up earlier 5.30 am take route 16 get to boston from there.i will get rid of my fast lane transponder and pay nothing for the tolls.
i drive to work five days a week, pay the damn tolls, have not had a pay raise in three years,grocery is a fortune nowdays and MBTA has raised their parking recently, i wish i can walk from winthrop to boston. This is killing us softly!

I love this great city, but this toll hike seems ridiculous. Looks like we are trying to be more and more like NYC...at least from a cost of living perspective. Looks like Mitt Romney's proposed merger with the Mass Highways would have helped. Government officials don't listen. Contact the Turnpike Authority & Board members who voted for this: Alan LeBovidge,Executive Director; Bernard Cohen, Board Chairman; Michael P. Angelini, Board Member; Mary Z. Connaughton, Board Member & Judy Pagliuca, Board Member.
,

OK complainers, how many of you voted for the democrat? Why would they change when you keep putting the same people and same party in charge? We even made them stronger! This just a little less than 2 weeks from the election. Maybe when the voters wake up and realize that democrats like to spend money on social programs and unions will we realize that maybe we should vote for the other party. WE keep electing liberal dems then complain when they increase out taxes.

Great, now I will just avoid the Ted Williams Tunnel and take the Tobin Bridge to 93 to 90W. I am sure others will do the same. Not only will they not make money, it will congest an already congested road even more. Why aren't there tolls on 93 again?

vote yes on question 1. now the idiots who voted no should have to pay the higher tolls ,cowards . The theives are running the state and you keep voting in the scum of the earth commiecrats . Next is property taxes going up ,weater bills going up ,paycheck going down . The best part is the human leeches will give themselves a nice fat raise and nice big boost in their pensions ,tolls will never come down , details will never be done away with . Fireman and cops the phony hero's will be making 100 plus thousand . Moronchusetts is the name of this state.

Hate to say it folks but your shoveling "you know what" against the tide here. The same crew has been elected again overwhelmingly and question #1 was crushed (much to my suprise). No elections for two years (as if it matters). The tax "all clear" horn has been blown. The only thing I can say is there has to be a breaking point in all this. You just can't keep pecking away at the middle class worker in this state like our elected officials are doing. $7 bucks to pick someone up at our filthy, outdated, joke of an airport. Think of that. Just the thought of it makes me sick.

This is what happens when the Democrats have total control. Raise taxes and fees. Do not cut expenses.

I live in East Boston and commute to Brighton to work every day - both being the city of Boston! Not fair for city dwellers trying to survive in a down economy.

why not cut back on the pensions of these Mass Pike hacks????

Give me a break. The pension liability is as big as the road maintenance liability. It is a scam and I don't know how these guys sleep at night.

I live in East Boston and don't have a car. If a friend drops me off I will now have to give them $7 for the toll. I guess I'll have them drop me off at Aquarium and take the T home. Even worse is trying to get a cab home from Boston. Right now, they charge the taxi cabs $1 more ($4.50) than a regular car. I wonder what Mass Pike's reasoning is for the disparity. It is illegal for the drivers to ask for the toll but they won't take me home to East Boston unless I agree to pay the toll. This isn't NYC and we shouldn't have to pay $7.00 to use a tunnel. I agree with other posters that we should eliminate all tolls and up the gas tax so everyone pays their fair share!

I don't understand why the north and metro-boston are always the one's that suffer with these toll hikes. Why not toll the Sagamore and Bourne bridge entering cape cod, as we could see a boon in revenue from all the tourists who go there in the summer. You might lose 10% of tourists but would be more than offset with the amount of toll revenue coming to the state.

I'll be buying rolls of pennies to use when I go thru the tolls. They can earn their money counting it. This is what happens when we voted NO on Question 1 and told them all "we like paying more than we have to!"

I never thought i would see a worse Governor than Mike Dukakis but this
governor submitted a budget with a one billion dollar increase with the state and country entering a possible Depression.

Now, don't forget that these unionized toll collectors make an average salary of $88,000 per year, the TOP 4 MADE upwards of $120,000!!! This salary -- to collect tolls and make change. The Globe should investigate this.

I am absolutely disgusted. An increase like this on the tunnels is going to put some serious strain on lots of families who need to use those tunnels to get to work. Why can't there be more tolls on more roads but at much lower rates? Or increase the gas tax?! Spread it out fairly! I see the value of my home going even lower now thanks to this fantastic new selling point! Seriously, who do my family, friends and I need to barrage with emails and letters and phone calls to complain about this?

If people living in East Boston thought it was a tough Real Estate market before, forget trying to sell a house there now. Ya that's right... move to East Boston and noone will ever come visit you. Raise the gas tax and make everyone pay for Uncle Ted Kennedy's Big Dig.

Manchester Airport (MHT) is looking better all the time....

I use the tunnel and the pike every day from Winthrop.......no discount like East Boston and Revere. I now will boycott the tunnel.......I'll go the long way around...I don't care.....after all, the gas is cheaper now, so why not....I will NOT give more money to Mass. for the big dig........ I, for one, voted to eliminate the stupid MA tax, but it passed, and here we go again....tax us....It might be time to move from MA.... It's breaking my back. Governor Patrick? If I am still in the State when you come up for re-election, you will NOT be getting my vote.

Raise the gas tax!!!!! 1 or 2 cents would barely be noticed. Metrowest is doubly screwed now. They want us to pay for everything. MBTA raised price of parking, so NO one will take the commuter rail now, and they are raising the price of the tolls. This is crazy.

Get rid of these Authorities and bring them all into one organization, raise the gas tax, and make it more equitable for everyone. Leave the tolls and parking prices alone.

Problems in the state will never be fixed if elected officials have no fear of losing their seats or positions. Nearly all of them run unopposed. There's also no need to compromise, because we live in a state with one party.

I don't care which party has a majority, but whichever it is must be forced to compromise most of the time, or at least SOME of the time. The governor in this state can't even threaten a veto. Pathetic.

Same old hacks... same old results...

This is what happens when you vote for a Democrat—they need more of our money because they can’t, and don’t even want to control spending. When you add 2000 state workers in 2 years, this was bound to happen. Deval says there’s no way around it. Really? In a nearly $60 billiion annual budget you can't find a way to cut spending by $100 million? It's the equivalent of an average household cutting $100 over the course of a year. It can be done. The only reason the Turnpike Authority even exists is because it's full of patronage jobs.

Great. We'll pay more for tolls so they can steal more $$$

A cab ride now from the Financial District to the airport is currently $22...to go about five miles, it will now be $25.50....it's ridiculous. I can see charging a toll sufficient for the upkeep of tunnels and bridges but ultimately are being forced into paying for the financial mismanagement by the Turnpike Auth and others. All these idiots that run these agencies should be hauled into court and charged with fraud. The fact that we are in this mess is simply due to the fact that NONE of these people were qualified for the jobs they had.

Ladies and Gentelmen,
Welcome to the begining of the end. We obviously have an administration that has no idea what they are doing. Raising tolls, gas taxes, sales taxes, or hotel taxes is simply not the answer. For many years the city of Boston and the rest of the great commonwealth have flurrished from the abundance of tourist that come into the area. A joint effort from the Gov and Mayors office must be made to bring tourism back to the city. $100's of millions were made with such events as the Tall Ships, NCAA Basketball and Hockey, Political conventions, and much more. That has been what drove our revenues before, and this is what can drive it again. Punishing the citizens of the state is just going to create a dark cloud overhead. Something to think about when these people are up for reelection.

News flash! The gas tax doesn't go towards roads and highways. It goes directly into the "General Fund" along with your income tax, business tax, sales tax etc. The gas tax is spent the same way all the other taxes are. It is not seperated out and spent solely on highways and road repair.

What are they thinking when so many are getting laid off and the worst economic time in recent history. They have no regard for the taxpayer and the struggles they face only a daily basis under these conditions. Shame on every single one of them. Greed, greed greed!

"there is simply no way around an increase in the short term."

Yeah, like the tolls will ever be reduced. C'mon Deval - you know perfectly well that this is a permanent toll hike. Don't insult our intelligence.

And for those calling MA "Taxachusetts", MA residents are far from having the largest tax burden. MA is something like 23rd in the nation. NJ is far and away the worst.

No more cabs from the airport

A shiny new toll booth on the South East Expressway into Boston would be a nice addition. Let's have the folks on the South Shore give a little to the cause rather than hosing those traveling in from the West and North.
One if by land, two if by sea, those on the South Shore always ride free.

People - I have not seen a positive comment on this topic yet. If all of us actually got together and stormed the public hearings in person rather than hiding behind a computer and venting, we could end this insanity before it starts...

The Tobin Bridge will have to increase by the same amount (to $7) for three reasons: 1. Drivers will dipropotionately begin to use the Bridge instead of the Sumner (once the new rates are in place), resulting in singificant traffic issues; 2. Massport has historically raised tolls at Tobin to stay in line with the Tunnels (since they are considered comparable routes into the city, and drivers can change driving patterns based); and 3. It will likely need the additional revenue to absorb and properly service the incremental Turnpike debt (MPA can't use airport revenue to service the debt, but can use additional revenue from the Bridge)

Sure it costs $14 round trip to the airport... but think of it like life insurance. Your family could win millions if the ceiling collapses.

I live in NH and work at the airport. Stop your crying about NH residents that work in Mass not paying their way. What benefit do I get from paying 5.3% Mass state tax? Isn't that enough to put towards your roads?

Maybe a tax on Mass residents shopping tax free in NH is in order!

You'd think they would just add a toll at either end of the huge pieces of crap that are the big dig tunnels. Traffic creeps through them during rush hour anyway. It's not like it would cause any backs ups.

Better plan - everyone band together and just drive through the toll plaza's in protest. Don't stop! Don't pay a thing! They certainly can ticket every driver! I know that won't happen, but one can dream...

Last one of Taxachusetts the "Pay"state, please turn off the lights...

Big shock! What did you think would happen when a Democrat was voted in? MA residents clueless as usual!

How does a topic like this get put through without a voice from our local reps?
Raising the tolls at Weston and then again at Brighton is going to only encourage a substantial number of drivers to exit at Newton Corner (the only exit between the tolls) and clog up our neighborhoods for the balance of their trip to Boston.

Massachusetts could save $80,000,000 per year very easily. Simply remove all tolls, fire all the toll collectors and management staff, and increase the gas tax by 5 cents per gallon. The result would be far more equitable than the current situation, where east-west commuters subsidize north-south commuters.

LETS STOP TAKING ABOUT RAISING ANYTHING AND MAKE THE CUTS THAT ARE NEEDED IN THIS STATE.......CAN I RAISE MY SALARY BECAUSE IM SPENDING MORE ....NO I CANT....!

OPEN THE CASINO AT RAYNHAM TAUTNON NOW THAT THE DOGS ARE FREE TO ROAM THE STREETS......

Enough is Enough! Raise the gas tax and share the burden.

Beacon Hill and I-93 commuters cannot stick Pike drivers with the entire tab for North-South tunnels and bridges and expect to escape the wrath of the East-West drivers. How would our founding fathers have reacted to this inequity? There will be consequences.

This is ridiculous, I thought they were getting rid of this agency anyway? And, as someone else mentioned, what is wrong with making the Pike part of Mass Highway and instituting a gas tax? This is a lot better than placing an additional burden on working families, which is what they are doing. And the tunnels? A lot of people who work and drive in Revere, Winthrop are already taking 16 and 28 due to the $4.00 toll now. You double that and guess whats going to happen? I wonder what the towns that those roads go through are thinking now. Again, a gas tax makes a hell of a lot more sense than this!!

The people bought into Question 1 on the last vote. Well here's your answer to " Vote No " and all your taxes and fees will be solved. The people of this state will never learn, too bad. Keep the same cronnies in office year after year, and thats what you get. The people of this state deserve exactly that !!!!! Stop complaining and do something about it. Until then you will suffer to pay for all the " political hacks ".

Wow, quite a few angry comments today. Going by pure statistical probability here, quite a few of you must vote for Dems regularly. So you know what? This is what you get. This is what your blind allegiance to one political party gets you, you reap what you sow. If you continually send your Dem rep and senator back to Beacon Hill every election, and if you voted for “together we can” Deval Patrick, this is your fault. I can guarantee you that had Healy been elected, she would not have done this. How does it feel? It stings doesn’t it? It’s time to wake up – flood your senators, reps and Deval’s office with e-mails and phone calls. A stand needs to be made against these crooks NOW! They have no respect for you, your family, your hard work, your time (spent stuck in traffic at the tolls), your money, not a bit.

But it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that this has happened, because this is the kind of thing that our incompetent and corrupt leaders have always done. If you keep sending them back to Beacon Hill, then why the heck should they change a damn thing? This is what you wanted, this is what you voted for (if you voted for the Dems that is). Are you ready for change here in Mass, or do you just want more of the same?

Hey the Bleacher Bum... You probably voted no on 1 and sent Barney "don't blame me for Fannie and Freddie" Frank back to Washington.. Don't you get it? The more they take.. triple they spend.. I hope some of you people don't run businesses.
We'll never ever learn in this state as long as people like you have that mentality!

Can I get a rebate for sitting in traffic atempting to get throught the I93 tunnel almost everynite on my way to my night job? It seems 5 nights a week Im sitting in traffic late at night. Some nights Im lucky and get to sit on the side roads because they shut down I93 completly. IS THE BIG DIG TURNED BIG DIG REPAIR PROJECT ever going to end? Should I expect to sit in traffic til I retire in 2018? What a scam,,,,,,,,,,

This is why people should have voted YES on question 1. Mass. is going to drain everyone dry!! We need to engage in acts of civil disobedience and other demonstrations to get the point across that we're not going to take it any more.

This is absolutely ridiculous. Residents who live west of the city should not have to pay for a construction debacle that does benefit them. The state needs to put tolls on 93.

$7 to pass throught the Ted Williams Tunnel?????? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

I'll fly out of Manchester, thanks. NH runs a FREE shuttle from MA to their airport. Oh what a difference a few miles makes. Oh what a difference having a Legislative Body that gets no salary makes!!! Why didn't they raise the gas tax??? Dumb-butts.

Complain to the governor here. Tell him to take down all tolls & raise the gax tax. It is the only equitable way.

My dream , one day i don't see those tolls anymore .
Damm, soon Those tiny brain in offices will have toll every 5 miles .

Get rid of the tolls, a huge savings right there! (No infrastructure, no salaries, no pensions, no traffic backup, the list goes on!) Raise the gas tax which we already collect (no additional overhead, unlike building new tolls as other have suggested). The gas tax is equatable way to have people pay for what they use. Drive more pay more, drive less pay less. I don't understand why such a simple solution is ignored!

Good job voters, lets make sure we keep the income tax in this state so we can then get it stuck to us once again when the tolls double through the tunnels!!!!

Well let's be honest it did not matter how we voted anyway as the legislature would have overturned the vote anyway!

Well I can always cancel my subscription to the Globe to save some money to pay the tolls!

Send letters to the MTA
Alan LeBovidge - Exectutive Director or Bernard Cohen - Chairman

Massachusetts Turnkpike Authority
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza Suite 4160
Boston Massachusetts 02116

Ryan,
While it is too bad that the toll hikes will hit you even more, why the heck would you want to deal with a Cambridge to Providence commute twice a day? Even at hours where volume is low, that has to be a terrible commute.

This is ridiculous. A gas tax makes way more sense.

People keep voting the same criminals into office because nobody else runs! How many spots on the ballot said, vote for ONE, and there was only one to vote for?

For those of us who commute from outside the city and work in East Boston, this hike will be extraordinarily prohibitive. $120.00 /month in tolls alone puts a big strain on an already tight budget. While I agree we need to pay for the roads we use, daily commuters should be given a discount beyond Easy Pass.

Will the folks in Eastie and the North End still get their precious discounts? Yep, I said it, the North End. Why get a toll discount when you already live on the other side of the tunnels?

Tolls on 93 make too much sense. After all, the depression of the Central Artery was a major piece of the Big Disaster. Yet the folks who use it ride for free.

Ok, fine. If your going to do that, then I am going to pay in nickels. EVERY TIME. I encourage you all to so the same. Let them know that we are not going to take it, nickels and dimes, from all of us. Since that's what the government is bent on doing; nickel and diming us out of the state.

For all its faults, New York City, the capital of Earth, has it all over our rat's nest and they're 10x our size:

Mass. state hotel tax = 5.7%
NYC hotel tax = $9.5%
New tunnel toll = $7.00
NYC bridge (like Triboro) toll = $5.00

So the NYers who have to go from borough to borough are still screwed, but 30% less. Instead, the good burghers of NY soak the rubes who come to town to see Shrek: The Musical. As they should.

We need toll booths at the NH border and RI border.
I have to pay every time I go up to New Hammy. No more free rides for them.
$7.00 for the TEd Williams Tunnel? a 50% increase? Get real guys. I won't use it anymore.

This is totally insane!!! I live in Winthrop where we not only have to put up with the MWRA Sewage Plant at an unbelievable cost every quarter, but now this???? How can our politicians keep doing this? Sure "Devil" Patrick doesn't care, he is reaping the wealth all around. I know I did not vote for him because I knew once he got in things were going to just get worse. I know I am going to fight this as much as I can. Get out and call your representatives, I have already put a call in to mine and have emailed him, Rep. DeLeo. We can't stand for these increases any longer. Especially with the way the economy is, we won't even be able to get to work with what it costs to take the T or drive.

That is not a Toll, it is a Cover Charge!!

SCOUNDRELS!!!!!! Absolute SCOUNDRELS!!!!!!!!

UNBELEIVABLE! They need to put tolls on 93 without a doubt!! BS.

I don't understand the reluctance to implement a gas tax increase because it will supposedly be seen as "RAISING TAXES", but there's no problem jacking up the tolls. What's the difference - other than the gas tax hits all drivers equitably, while the toll increase only burdens those who are geographically unfortunate?

Wasn't there a revolution for taxation without representation?

Please write or call your state State Senator & Reps and demand a more equitable solution. It takes 5 calls to create a crisis in their office; we elect and pay them to fight for our best interests.

There is never going to be an equitable situation for everyone since there's always going to be a group that is unhappy no matter what. As someone here already noted in this response string, the towns closest to Boston Harbor bore ALL the brunt of cleaning up the harbor with ridiculously high water/sewer bills (they still do) for countless years, but yet the entire state benefits from it. Why didn't all state residents pay an even rate for it to be cleaned up?

The price increases definitely suck (more so now given the state of the economy), but look at what it costs to use the bridges and other roads in NY...over $10-$15 in a number of instances. We should be more outraged over the lack of oversight that would have prevented such MASSIVE project scope creep and cost overruns that brought us to the final project price that is what, 10 times the original bid cost for the Big Dig and is forcing us to dig into our pockets because our own state and federal government isn't pig headed enough to have these contractors open up their books and scrutinize their records to challenge their culpability in causing this massive deficit (they should stick some IRS-like agency on this to recoup lost $$$...they're KING at finding when you've screwed up your financial obligations and will make it incredibly painful for you in the process).

Personally, I think the toll increase is a good thing: It forces people to consider public transit (why not use the infrastructure that's already there that is already subsidized in part by public funding, ESPECIALLY if you live in Revere and East Boston and go to Boston daily...WTF would you drive that short distance when you can take a train in FAR less time???), reduces road congestion and thereby reduces wear and tear on them (translation saved operating/maintenance costs), and helps us reduce our emissions to combat global warming. If you're dumb enough to get whacked daily for $7 just for the convenience of driving your car and sitting in endless traffic when you can take a train then I really don't feel bad for you.

I am now very happy that I'm moving from the North Shore to Medford so I can aviod all of this. It's troubling to me that this tax only effects a percentage of drivers who unfairly bear the burden of the state's deficit. It seems to me that this increase it going to discourage people from taking these roadways and they'll find alternative routes (either public transportation or round-about roads). Then the state can eat it when they are even further behind that they were before the increase.
Usually I am in favor of slightly increases taxes and tolls but this is absurd and unfairly high. I hope that they have a back-up plan in mind.

This board of idiots is a joke, do these guys even have to pay these tolls or do they flash their fancy Mass Pike badge? Hmmmm

Well least we have O"Bama to confort us in the coming months right? 8-)

That's it Florida here we come. This state is no place for us senior's. We can live with the snow and cold weather, but with the taxs, high water bills, and now this no way. We the people from the North and East have had it.

I can see the boardmeeting and the chair standing up and saying hey commuters tell me how my a$$ tastes!

I live in NH, LOL!!! Now if ya'll just got rid of the income tax. I'd be in heaven!

And here I thought the Republican govenors were gone. When you have this many Democrats, I guess some of them aren't.

COMPLAIN COMPLAIN COMPLAIN PEOPLE!!!! We need to rally together - the more people who bombard his office the more say WE will have. Tolls doubling? Are they insane?? The economy is tanking because the middle class isn't spending. What do they think will happen when they raise taxes? Do they think it will be good for the state? "Short term?" We've all heard THAT one before.
This is the email I sent in to our Governor's office (who I did not vote for!!!!). I also didn't vote for Kennedy or anyone else currently in office - THAT'S the change this state needs. Together we can.......drive this state into the ground!!!

Email to Governor Deval:
I am just fed up with all the bad decisions being made by our state. We ARE in a recession and for Massachusetts to keep increasing taxes and tolls instead of dealing with wasteful spending BY THE GOVERNMENT is absolutely absurd! We, the taxpayers of Massachusetts are struggling and now the toll I go through is going to DOUBLE? How am I going to get to work? I cannot afford living in this state anymore and everyone else I know feels the same way. Get rid of the wasteful spending and corrupt politicians. Dismantling the Turnpike Authority is the best decision I have heard in a long time. Toll collectors making 70k a year and stealing toll money? Retired Turnpike employees getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in "sick time" when they leave? WAKE UP - don't you see what really needs to be done? STOP TAXING US WE'RE ALL STRUGGLING AS IT IS!

How typical. Why is it that MA can not run on the taxes they ALREADY collect! It is pathetic that the only answer our state politicians and state agencies have when dealing with financial struggles is to raise taxes. Maybe instead of re-electing morons on both sides of the aisle who clearly do not understand how to be fiscally responsible, the people of MA should really think about for whom they are voting.

Raise the gas tax. Or raise the state tax. Or both -- BUT GET RID OF ALL THE TOLLS. Tolls are no solution to a money management issue. All tolls do is create millions of dollars of overhead, cause traffic and pollution. Secondly, it is completely unfair to use money collected from a toll to pay for something completely unrelated. The turnpike is paid for -- so where is all the money going?
To all the people asking for tolls on route 93 as a solution -- Please Stop. All that will do promote more mismanagement and an even larger corrupt government agency.

Question 1 should have passed. We could have had $3000 in our pockets to pay for the added tolls....and no funds left for pork and politicians pockets.. I often wonder how people in Mass think and why they believed all the union sponsored bull to defeat question one.
AA on CC

I think it's great! Everybody in MA is more than eager to hand over their money to the state, so why not raise the tolls?

By voting against Question 1, the citizens sent a message to our legislators that said "We love giving away our money!"

And for the first time, your elected officials are actually *listening* to what you have to say. This is a good thing isn't it? They heard your collective voices and they are responding to your request!

Don't worry, this is Deval's stepping stone to an Obama Administration. He'll be out in a month or two and we can (should) bring in someone to clean house.

You voted to keep the state income tax and vote for those old moonbats at the state house. No matter what you want as long as you let them keep filling their pockets, because you keep voting for them.
Time for a Change get rid of all the old hacks at the state house

Quick question.... where does all my excise tax and gas tax dollars go? I was under the impression that those were supposed to pay for the roads?

These brain surgeons, that we all elect, have been running the state and all its agencies into the ground for years. Yet they keep their jobs. Its no wonder they go into public service. Can you imagine any of them actually working in or running a private company. Bankruptcy over/under would be 6 months!

I understand the pain an anger from MetroWest commuters, but more tolls ANYWHERE is not the answer. The solution to tolls is not more tolls, because the tolls are the problem. Tolls anywhere on I-93 are a terrible, awful idea. It is just easier for Patrick and the turnpike board to raise the tolls where they are already in place, and if they made more tolls in other places, then they’d face a revolt from everyone, and not just the MetroWest commuters. And for the record I am a north-south commuter, using I-495 and I-93 everyday, and I would support a gas tax over raising tolls anywhere. Actually, if we were to get a gas tax hike, then we should just gut the tolls completely, except for maybe a few of the tunnels, but make them only $2 max.

As far as making tolls at the NH border to make NH commuters “pay their fair share”, well that argument just doesn’t hold water. If they live in NH and work in Mass, then they are paying Mass state income taxes, just for driving in and out on weekdays. So I don’t think anyone can say they are getting a free ride if they are paying our 5.3% state income tax, just for commuting.

So as I said before, send your angry calls and e-mails to the offices of Deval and your state reps and senators – and then don’t vote for them in the next election, no matter what!!!

The Pike Authority can bite me! I'm taking local roads and bypassing your freaking tolls. It may add an additional 30 minutes each way but I would rather burn an extra couple of bucks in gas than to pay your fooking tool hike.

The article said:
The plan, which is subject to public hearings and a final vote.

Get as mad as you want here and now...but when those public hearings are scheduled, make sure that you all go and voice your objections !

THE WAY TO INCREASE MONEY FOR MASSACHUSETTS IS TO FOLLOW NEW HAMPSHIRE AND GIVE OUT TICKETS TO MASSACHUSETTS CARS ONLY. JUST DRIVE ON ROUTE 95 NEAR PORTSMOUTH AND THE ROUTE 16 (SPAULDING TOURNPIKE) AND WATCH HOW MANY MASSACHUSETTS CARS GET TICKETS. ALSO DRIVE THROUGH THE EASY PASS LANE IN PORTSMOUTH AT MORE THAN 10 MPH AND THERE IS A NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE TROOPER WITH HIS RADAR GUN READY TO GIVE OUT TICKETS. WHY DOESN'T MASS DO THE SAME THING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE DRIVERS.

The increase is outrageous. During a recession, we're going to increase tolls by 60%? I commute from boston to waltham daily on the mass pike and currently spend $25 per week. Now that increases to $40 a week. And this is all to pay for a road that I never travel on. Why not tax drivers that actually use the big dig and make them pay for it?

A huge amount of this debt is due to the salaries, health care costs, and pensions for the toll collectors, so it is simple, by removing the tolls and getting rid of the toll collectors these costs will be contained.

First, forget the Taxachusetts malarky. I'll take Massachusetts over the bastions of ignorance around this country that I have had the displeasure to either live or visit. Also have you paid the bridge toll in NYC on the way home?
That said, the increase is rediculous in these troubled times. And why has the North Shore had to bear the brunt of these tolls over the years. The west pays half and the south pays none????

We should have all voted YES to Question 1! We give them free reign to keep raising taxes on us. It needs to STOP!

Thats great!! The lowest paid and hardest working people in this crappy state, the ones that drive for a living get punished for all the states mismanagement. What about the the Massport employees making 100g with an IQ of a folded napkin, in a do nothing job, how about shitcanning them. This is ridiculous!!! They can't find any other way of collecting revenue!!! Deval just took the easy way out! Taxing people that can't complain.

They have the guts to do this -- but do not have the guts to ask anything of commuters and communities on the South Shore -- who benefited everybit as much as the those west of Boston. Shame on them!

Let's take some simple actions that pass the message along to Beacon Hill that we are as mad as hell and are not going to take this anymore.

On Wednesday, November 26th, drive to any Masspike Toll booth at 5 PM and park your car for 15 minutes. Tell the other drivers to do the same and why to do it. The ensuing traffic nightmare should be enough to get everyone on the Pike the day before Thanksgiving fired up about tolls.

These people wining about higher tolls are probably the same people that voted to keep the income tax! You told these CROOKS that you want to pay higher taxes. FOOLS! Just wait there is more coming!

You don't want to pay for the goods and services; AND you don't want welfare...don't use the Pike or Tunnels. In fact, save yourself some money...stay home, don't go to the airport and get out of my way!

Our democrat politicians waited until after the election to drop this on us. CAN WE FINALLY ELECT SOME REPUBLICANS IN THIS STATE?

I have an idea. What if the metrowest community banded together, and we decide just to drive through the tolls without paying. There would be so many hundreds of thousands of violater tickets to be created and sent out, there would be no way the state could keep up with the offenders or afford to follow-up on all the outstanding tickets. I say we ride the pike for free!!!!!! Come on people, you with me!!

Not to boil your blood either, but the average toll collector - the guy in the grubby clothes that doesnt even acknowledge your existence, makes $70,000.00 a year. Considering most of them never graduated from high school, how about trimming back the salaries to $25,000 a year where they belong. This would be your cost savings without raising the rates - again. Its RIDICULOUS that toll collectors make this much money AND are paid higher than most of our school teachers!

boy i am sure glad that prop 1 didnt pass we would be paying $20.00 tolls

must be all the perks, thanks gov patrick...

all you gas taxers out there...the gasoline tax does NOT go to the Mass Pike. The Mass Pike Authority woiuld have to be abolished and the road come under the jurisdiction of Mass Highway. The current idea would be to cut out tolls from Rt 128 to the NY state line. Then that part of the Mass Pike would become jurisdiction of Mass Highway, then gass tax. Rt 128 to Boston would remain Mass Pike and still have tolls. This would be a double hit for Metro West, increase gas tax and tolls Weston-Boston.

donny # 157, it is a 100% increase.

MassHole! I am moving out with my family in the next 2 years. Everything is hard in MA, starting a small business, regulations that have no end, toll hikes every year, a corrupt legistlator, a horrible governor, and 2 do nothing long time sitting senators.........rotten state!

To all you people complaining. Take the T.

$1.70 will get you across the harbor.

$5 will get you from Worcester to downtown Boston.

They should also add tolls on I-93 and I-95.

Good thing we voted to keep the income tax at 5.3%. Everybody was worried that other things were going to go up. Well you morons who voted to keep the tax THEY ARE GOING TO RAISE EVERYTHING THEY CAN ANYWAY!!! The next thing you know they will come to your house, grab you by your ankles and shake you up and down to get every last penny out of your pocket!

How about this....Protest this nonsense...no one take the Pike on the Friday after Thanksgiving. NO ONE! Take public transit...walk....take alternate routes....send these addled fools a strong message: To hell with your patronage, your mismanagement, your corruption.

We're mad as hell and just not going to take it anymore!

We are all that fault by voting for a one-party system in Massachusetts and therefore no debates about serious issues. Patrick Deval is a total idiot yet there is no one high enough on the political ladder to say so - robust political opposition is lacking. Let's remember it two years from now.

So, let's recap:
* 9,500 more people filed for unemployment this month in Massachusetts, raising the level up 31% from this time last year.
* Home foreclosures are up 46% from this same time last year
* Those of us that can hold onto our homes do so at discounted value, although the property tax assessments haven't changed!
* Over the past 3 years, the state has lost more jobs than any other area of the country, with more to come
* The average American has difficulty juggling the mounting costs of utilities and other household expenses

And now, our glorious State decides to increase the cost of transit on those of us that are lucky enough to still have jobs. First it was the parking at the commuter rail stations and now the tolls on the pike, which I am certain they are thinking will lead commuters to the trains. Also under discussion is a 30% (or more) increase in the Commuter Rail prices for 2010.

Perfect timing! The elected officials in this state have a lot of explaining to do. Why should the hard working people of the Commonwealth have to pay for the gross mismanagement of others.

To everyone asking for a gas tax increase:

I don't go near the Big Dig or the TWT. Why should I pay-off those debts through a state-wide gas tax.

I share donny's opinion. We need toll booths at the borders for all those daily commuters who don't live in MA but use our roads. MA residents are the only ones stuck with the bill.

I don' understand why people think raising the gas tax in this state would be a better solution?
I do not live anywhere near the city of Boston.
I do not drive to Boston at anytime during the year.

why should the gas tax be raised so I can pay for the big rip off?
For years, there was no money in this state to repair any roads/bridges becuase of the amount of money the state was putting into this project.
What I would like to know is how the Turnpike Authority thought it was okay to be in debt by 100 MILLION dollars?

How do you spell relief? I spell it S-T-O-R-R-O-W D-R-I-V-E. Glad I don't live on Beacon Street.

How do you spell relief? I spell it S-T-O-R-R-O-W D-R-I-V-E. Glad I don't live on Beacon Street.

This is ridiculous! I'm going to either have to get a new job or a raise!

Well now that we supported taxes by voting no on question 1 they think WE LOVE TAXES!

Reckless in Massachusetts!

I just called the governors office and voiced my concern. Call 888-870-7770 and tell them to find another way!

Of course the Turnpike Board voted for an increase. That's like asking customer service reps who make 10.00 an hour to vote yes or no if they want a raise. 7.00 to go through the tunnel is insane.

Bleacher Bum

"With that said, it is time for tolls at the NH border. The free ride should be over!!! Live Free or Die should mean if you work in NH. If you need our jobs, help us pay for the roads you use."

Us folks that live in NH and work in MA are NOT getting a the "free ride", we still have to pay your MA state tax.

So, let's recap:
* 9,500 more people filed for unemployment this month in Massachusetts, raising the level up 31% from this time last year.
* Home foreclosures are up 46% from this same time last year
* Those of us that can hold onto our homes do so at discounted value, although the property tax assessments haven't changed!
* Over the past 3 years, the state has lost more jobs than any other area of the country, with more to come
* The average American has difficulty juggling the mounting costs of utilities and other household expenses

And now, our glorious State decides to increase the cost of transit on those of us that are lucky enough to still have jobs. First it was the parking at the commuter rail stations and now the tolls on the pike, which I am certain they are thinking will lead commuters to the trains. Also under discussion is a 30% (or more) increase in the Commuter Rail prices for 2010.

Perfect timing! The elected officials in this state have a lot of explaining to do. Why should the hard working people of the Commonwealth have to pay for the gross mismanagement of others. Enough is enough!!

Comment here if you want to join me in a boycott of the Mass Pike. If these tolls go up, let's leave the pike and jam the local roads and let the Pike figure out then how they will cope with the loss of revenue.

Let's stop complaining about NH and RI. They have to pay MA state income tax and DON'T LIVE HERE. I think 5% of their salary, PLUS paying the same tolls as us is more than fair. Here's a thought: Stop voting democrats into office. Or don't complain when they rob you.

On a positive note, we can finally finish Gov. Patrick's sentence, "Together we can..." Here are a few options:

"Together we can...raise taxes"
"Together we can...continue to pay state income tax"
"Together we can...keep voting liberal socialists into office."
"Together we can...keep losing more and more of our hard earned money"

just use the tunnels the free way, ah free, then for the return trip clog the surface roads

Instead of complaining about it, vote these liberals out! It is okay to vote for a republican now and then. You voted for these fools!

I don' understand why people think raising the gas tax in this state would be a better solution?
I do not live anywhere near the city of Boston.
I do not drive to Boston at anytime during the year.

why should the gas tax be raised so I can pay for the big rip off?
For years, there was no money in this state to repair any roads/bridges becuase of the amount of money the state was putting into this project.
What I would like to know is how the Turnpike Authority thought it was okay to be in debt by 100 MILLION dollars?

I bet all you people who voted to keep the income tax are thinking twice now.

Meanwhile the gas tax has remained the same for something like 17 years?

donny, it's a 100% increase, not 50%

i'm so happy i never take any tunnels or tolls

Why don't we do something about this?!?!?!?! Why don't people march on the statehouse and demand action to stop this kind of unfair taxation? We need to make a physical, non-violent demonstration and show MA that we're not going to take it anymore.

$7 tolls - Yes we can!

GAS TAX and no more inefficient tolls -- spread the cost to all drivers that use roads, not those located west of the city. North and South of the city need to pay their share.

One word Bechtell. Why are we not going after Bechtell for the embezzelled money needed for the big dig? I have driven through the big dig a total of two times, yet I am supposed to pay daily on my way to work to help this states economy, for this boondoggle. Go after the big corporations that did shoddy work, bled money into corporations coffers, and killed a woman. Sorry but we are paying for a system that was supposed to have been paid off years ago.

Um, weren't we supposed to get rid of the tolls just a few years ago? It's good to see how well we manage our money here in the great state of Mass.

Let me use my toll payments as a tax credit!
Keep the tolls and do not change the gas tax.

Let me use my toll payments as a tax credit!
Keep the tolls and do not change the gas tax.

Hopkinton to/from Brookline every day. Hello Route 9. Mass, say good bye to my toll money.

whine now, but how many of you voted no on question one?
you give them the ok to take and spend your tax money in so many silly ways already why wouldn't they come back for more.
should've voted yes on 1 so you could have afforded the tolls!

I WILL BE STARTING MY OWN TOLL!

If you want to get down my road it will be $10. I figure I need the mone..
I also figure it will reduce the traffic..........

HA HA HA HA HA
What a bunch of bumbling fools that run our state....
Everyone is so narrow minded....

If this were any company, it's customers would be running away...
Looks like MA population will continue to decrease with moves like this....

Folks need to organize, pool & direct the energy represented here to demand equitable and creative solutions from our leaders. Rather than sit idly by and let this stuff continue to happen to us. We deserve better, we should demand better. Surely there is something we can do to take control.

Ive yet to see a feasible alternative. Feasible being the operative word.

Attend the hearing and bring possible solutions - nothing changes unless a majority forces it to.

Hey nd
People that work in Taxachusetts and live in NH pay state income tax to Taxachusetts at the same rate residents do!. Get your dam facts straight

all you guys deserve this. You keep re-electing all these hacks each year, then vote down income tax reform.

All these knuckleheads that just vote for Democrats, resulting in no balance of power. Keep voting them in and paying them so they can get fatter and fatter>>>

Hey, we're the ones who keep voting these folks in, we only have ourselves to blame. Corruption, perversion and jobs for your friends, thats what Massachusetts politics is all about.

Yes we can! .......We complain over and over, yet we still vote for Democrats at the State House. We have no one to blame but ourself. Keep voting for Democrats. Yea! Still believe Democrats won't tax us. What's in your wallet ?

THE WAY TO INCREASE MONEY FOR MASSACHUSETTS IS TO FOLLOW NEW HAMPSHIRE AND GIVE OUT TICKETS TO MASSACHUSETTS CARS ONLY. JUST DRIVE ON ROUTE 95 NEAR PORTSMOUTH AND THE ROUTE 16 (SPAULDING TOURNPIKE) AND WATCH HOW MANY MASSACHUSETTS CARS GET TICKETS. ALSO DRIVE THROUGH THE EASY PASS LANE IN PORTSMOUTH AT MORE THAN 10 MPH AND THERE IS A NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE TROOPER WITH HIS RADAR GUN READY TO GIVE OUT TICKETS. WHY DOESN'T MASS DO THE SAME THING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE DRIVERS.

Posted by JACK November 14, 08 12:53 PM

Jack got a ticket because of the way he drives, if you stay less than 15mph over the limit they will leave you alone also. As a daily commuter from NH we already pay 5.3% of our income to MA, tolls at the border are absurd.

I don't have any blood on my hands. I voted YES on Question 1. A vote against Question 1 was a vote for more property, income and user taxes. Where are the 70% of folks that were anti-Question 1? I guess not on this board.

Boycott the turnpike.

I'm not going to complain since I live north and rarely use the pike. But it seems unfair to our friends to the west to deal with this burden. How about we trim the fat out of the bureaucracy and get the 100M from there. Time for a regime change in this state.

I appreciate the discount on the tunnels that I receive for living in East Boston, but I hate the fact that when people come to visit me, they have to get hit with a hefty toll when they leave! It boarders on embarrassing!

AND all of us in EB can forget about ever getting a taxi to take you home! It was bad enough before, but now it is going to turn evil.

We had an opportunity to send a STRONG message by voting yes on question 1 and the citizens blew it. Instead, our irresponsible elected officials think we can just increases taxes and tolls without any ramifications.

The turnpike was supposed to have been paid for years ago and now it is 100 million in debt.

Rt 9...Forget about it, the entire world is going to be on it, And the Rte 9 Construction project still has 2 years to go....It'll back up to Rte 16 in Wellesley, no joking. Nonantam St in Newton, that will be backed up to the IHOP, that is until they close that for construction next year, then Maple St to Newton Cnr. will be jammed. This is beyond belief!! What a bunch of Moorons!! Now I'm real glad I don't live in Newton.
Beacham St Chelsea, Oh my God, have you been down that road lately, you really need a 4X4..Thats no kidding, I lost two front tires there recently. The owners of King Arthurs are pretty pumped I bet. Rte 99!!!! I just can't believe that we can be so stupid!!! Good job Deval

When are the people who drive on I-93 going to start paying for THEIR TUNNEL? This is getting a little ridiculous to keep sticking Metro West with the bill.

I suggest that someone organize a day each quarter where MassPike users boycott the Pike and flood Rte 2 and Rte 9 to get into the city...perhaps that would get some attention

Everyone should protest. Just drive through and don't pay. That is the only way we can send a message. What are they going to do? Ticket every driver? We need to take a stand.

So, allow me to get this right...
In an effort to speed up Fast Lane they split up lanes - at Allston it worked, but at 128 it has caused a HUGE TRAFFIC Jam. And the campaign that states Fast Lane is faster - what a joke. Now, we have to pay more for the priviledge of sitting in traffic at toll boothes while those in the South get a free ride.
So, Gov. Patrick, is it the plan to charge visitors so much they never come back and charge those who live north and south until there are even more foreclcosures and heartbreak? What you are forgetting is that this is not our fault. This is the fault of those in charge of the Big Dig. How about they pay some of their salaries to keep the cost down?

Of those of you complaining, how many voted for Duval? Can you say buyers remorse? I didn't vote for him, but now I have to deal with those who wanted "change". Just wait and see what happens to your taxes come January 20th...

Increase the gas tax, close the toll booths, and I feel sorry for people in Newton because there is going to be gridlock avoiding the tolls

You morons voted to keep the state tax. Great job. So 70% of MA residents are idiots. No wonder they are raising the tolls. Think next time when you have an opportunity to give yourself a $3500 raise.

NH People? Tough nuggies. You should pay tolls on 93 and 3 North. You want to use the road, you get to pay. So, you pay MA income taxes, big deal. You use our infrastructure and the investments and sacrifices MA has been making for years. Don't like it? Try finding a comparable job in Cow Hampshire. LOL. You hciks love to talk about the "mass-holes" but you sure seem to like taking advantage of the state whenever and wherever you can.

Come to think of it, they should establish a discount for MA drivers - out of state drivers pay double.

Vote no on question 1-that's what you get

What fool didn't think to link the blue line and the silver line to ease the commute from N. Shore to South Boston. Now there is a novel idea!

OMFG! I live in Winthrop and am just sickened by this. Not only will I now be avoiding the tunnel and using other roadways, but I will NEVER be able to sell my home. Which I intend to do immediately now. So what if I lose money on it, it'll probably even out within a year because of this toll hike! This is ridiculous.

Do you know South Boston residents get a discount too? WTF I've questioned the MTA on this before and tis the communities that touch and were directly affected by the big dig that get the discounts!

Its one thing to put this toll hike through, but without offering up some kind of discount program for those that use it everyday is completely irresponsible!

Chris - all the gas tax money etc. goes to the General Fund where Sal, Teresa and Duval all get to spend it however they want. Raise the gas tax, they will ove it.

Way too high! It is ridiculous.

This is outrageous!!! Once again the residents of the North Shore and the West are discrimanated against for where they live. The only fair way is to have tolls at the State boarders and increase the gas tax within MA so all who use the roads pay equally...... One time or another the Highways are used by all so I realy don't want to hear some people don't use the roads. STOP THE DISCRIMINATION BY TOWN! I Don't see the South Shore paying for that zipper lane that has to be moved every day. If they don't contribute then they shouldn't have the luxury of an additional lane each morning and afternoon taking a lane from those of us traveling in the opposite direction. THE GAS TAX IN MASSACHUSETTS IS THE ONLY FAIR WAY! Call your local Politicians today and all weekend!

Sorry if I am repeating what was said already, but I did not have the time to read the 303 responses.
It looks like the common folks just found another reason to fly in and out of Manchester and TF Green. It wll not cost $15.00 to go to the airport and back. I sure that the only people using Logan may be those that fly on business and can expense the ridiculous toll.

I just voted myself a $30,000 pay raise. It won in a landslide. Now to pitch it to my boss. Be right back.................

There is absolutely no point for many people who have part-time jobs at the airport to actually work there now (despite the lure of benefits). $7 a night to leave work - that's $35 a week. What's the point when after taxes, my paycheck is down to about $50?

Forget taking the toll road. I'm going through Chelsea.

To all those who voted for Deval and are upset about this....you're getting what you deserve. Have your property taxes been lowered? Are you starting to understand now? Just wait and see the surprises Obama has in store. Share the wealth baby!!

this state is terrible . . I've had enough of the way it's run/not run. too much nepotism, but when it comes right down to it, it seems like the people of this state like taxes and increases. otherwise, we would have voted to abolish the income tax and would not keep voting in people like barney frank and john kerry . . these guys are socialists@

Any current toll payer want to do a "car-in". I say we park our cars on the Pike at 5:00 PM on December 1. Anyone up for civil disobedience?

Anyone who voted NO on #1 should STFU. You had a chance to tell the Commonwealth to budget and cut excessive spending. Instead you let a few special interest groups scare you into voting against #1. The Commonwealth will always spend unless the voters put their foot down.

The tolls are going to cost me $12 every day after FastLane discount. I'm going to have to drive rt. 16 every day. My life is going to suck, but I'm not paying $12 for the joy of driving on TollHike in the bare principle.

Did you notice that they raised the taxes a couple of weeks after the elecction? What a coincidence. Maybe you who voted for the pols in power, again, and again, and again, should write down "DON'T VOTE FOR THEM AGAIN"!!!!!!

It is unconscionable that tax payers have to foot the bill for the greed of lawmakers and corrupt government officials who made careers out of the fiasco we call the Big Dig. But, sadly, this is the modus operandi of government in this state. And under the current leadership, we are doomed to allow history to repeat itself.

Hunreds of employees over at Logan have scheduled report times between 3:00 am and 4:00 am - with absolutly no option to take public transportation. Many earn $10 to $12 an hour. This will have a major impact on them. One hour of work (after taxes) just to pay the Tunnel toll. On behalf of these folks, thank you Govenor Patrick.

I don't know if it's possible, but I've seen it in other states, why don't we put tolls up at the borders. 93 and Route 3 coming in from New Hampshire, 95 coming in from RI, and the 84 to 90 interchange coming in from CT.

So many people live out of state, work here, and don't pay a dime to use our roads. The George Washington Bridge in NY and NJ cost $8 to cross, and in comparison, why should I have to pay $8.50 to use a tunnel that might cave in on me. Enough is enough! Cut costs, eliminate the Turnpike authority, hire less toll workers, require fast lane for residents!

Thanks alot, Deval---you are proving to be such an awful governor--maybe that is why the population is shrinking in TAXACHUSETTS!!! You are driving out residents and businesses.

You are putting all of the burden on masspike users--what about Interstate 93??

Where is the equity here? The state continues to penalize a certain group of commuters. Where are the tolls for the people coming in and out of the city on I-93? There are more equitable ways to recoup money during this difficult economic time.

It also apprars that people will continue to move out of thestate. We have great colleges in the area, but we are not keeping the talented minds upon graduation because of high living costs and poor moves by local politicians. keep up the good work!

No one should be surprised at this at all. There are 2 solutions : Move to a red state, preferably Texas which has a far better run govt. The second option is tp encourage the commies that run MA to raise the tolls even more to $10, $20....at some point some of the redeemable libs will wake up and maybe there will be a 2 party govt. Intense personal financial pain is the only way to wake some of the people up. Bad as it is I don't think $7 will do it, it needs to be $20 to make it prohibitive and make a real dent in the wallet.

Now that I think about it moving to Texas is the only option you have folks.

"there is simply no way around an increase in the short term."

Or the forever term

whine now, but how many of you voted no on question one?
you give them the ok to take and spend your tax money in so many silly ways already why wouldn't they come back for more.
should've voted yes on 1 so you could have afforded the tolls!

___________________________________________________

my property taxes are high enough as they are
actually, not really, i live in saugus and we need to raise property tax for our town to function properly

$7 bucks for the tunnel... Looks like I will be taking Rt. 99 in and out of the city.

How about charging the board $7 everytime they vote to increase tolls, then maybe they would think about it first....

It's our own fault - or at least the 70% of the population that decided we shouldn't eliminate the income tax. The Legislature would have never let it happen even if it had passed - but it would send a clear message by MA residents that we were fed up with all the BS and pillaging this state consistently does. Why do you think they postponed the vote until after the election. Everyone on Beacon Hill are laughing their you know what's off, because the majority of mass residents act like a bunch of sheep following the herder straight to the slaughterhouse - in our case our bank accounts.

I grew up on the south shore with a bunch of nice people and now live in metrowest. Come on south shore residents shouldn't have to pay their fair share, the burden should fall to north of Boston and metrowest. One thing for sure it shows that our elected officials from Boston and the metrowest are just inept compared to south shore politicians.

What should happen is someone should file a civil lawsuit on fairness and equity as a result of this vote. This state is getting very old and if the 28-54 demographic decides to pick-up in move as many of us are this state will be in shambles.

OUTRAGEOUS!
It is UNFAIR to put the sole burden of the mismanagement of the Turnpike Authority on the residents of ONE area of Massachusetts. The Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels service primarily the North Shore. What's the fairness of putting the majority of burden on us? Put a toll on 93 coming into the city from the South Shore and see what happens. this is INSANE. In this economy to add this type of expense is just plain nuts! for those who commute 5 days a week, on average of 50 weeks a year, that's another $175.00 ENOUGH!

This is what the majority elected when they put Gv.Patrick in office. It's the return of "Tax-a-chusetts"
Think about it next time a republican governor runs.
The answer isn't always - more taxes. How about lean up government and stop the wasteful spending! I can think of dozens of ways... it's not rocket science.
But then again, the first thing this guy did in office was spend our money on new drapes and a new Caddie. Good going Governor! Looking forward to paying MORE of my hard earned income in taxes for you to waste.

The serious side of all budget questions is that so many people in this state and in the country want more and more from government but they want to spend less and less money for it. That's not possible. However, I agree that the Big Dig was mostly The Big Boondoggle. On and on it went, more time than they said, more money than they said, lousy workmanship, that woman dying from a falling ceiling tile. I wonder if her family will use any of their settlement $ to drive through the Ted Williams Tunnel.

I live in Winthrop and commute to Natick Ma for work. There is no way to avoid the Pike. With this increase I will have to pay $2,600 a year for tolls! This is a joke. This increase will also lower the value of my house because no one is going to want to move to Winthrop with these toll prices! I feel like a town like Winthrop is absolutely getting screwed by this! Very disappointing..... I guarantee the 4 Toll Board people who approved this increase don't live in a town like Winthrop!

LISTEN UP!! Don't bother with your threats about taking side roads. The folks who run the pike, know that after several days of bottlenecked side roads, you'll all be happy to pony up some more cash!! Better to skip Dunkin Donuts and a scratch ticket each day to pay for the extra toll money!!

The news of the proposed Pike toll increases just came across the wires. As a daily commuter into Boston this increase is going to directly affect me and I'm not happy about it. While I fully understand that there are Big Dig debts to be paid off, making Metrowest commuters shoulder the burden and letting off scot-free the I93 users who reportedly represent 75% of the Big Dig traffic is clearly unfair and shows a lack of political courage on the both the Legislature's and Governor's behalf. In addition to the welcomed changes to the Turnpike Authority the Administration should either be proposing I93 toll booths in Braintree and Methuen and or a general increase in the gas tax.

I hope this makes all drivers go out of their way to drive 93 into town, doubling the toll from 3.50 to 7.00 is litterally screwing people that live in Revere, Winthrop, and East Boston who have to take their cars to work everyday.

How many people do you think can afford 35.00 per week ..140.00 for a 4 week month or 175.00 for a 5 week month to drive to work.

Taking Food right out of peoples mouths. It is not Joe Publics fault you over spent and underestimated the costs for the big dig. Please everybody think of these when re-elections come up in the future

In response to the gentleman from NH working in Mass and complaining about paying a 5.3% income tax. I don't know what your job pays, but it's a hell of lot more than what you would make working the same job in NH. NH jobs pay diddlely unless you own a Boat Marina or lease a Ski mountain. Drop a toll booth just south Salem, NH on Route 93. I don't mind paying
a $1.00 and $1.50 each way at the Hookset and Hampton, NH tolls, why should NH residents ride free on the portion of Route 93 that they use to get to there higher paying Mass jobs.

Why isn't the Tobin bridge going up? Add tolls to 93 for all the commuters from New Hampshire and the south shore. Why do only the people on the coast or those that travel from the west have to bear the whole burden. I currently travel through the Ted Williams and the Pike to Newton, paying $5.00 per day. This will now go up to $9.00 per day with the fast pass ($11.00 without). The tolls will cost more than the gas!

Always make sure you hand the dope in the booth nickels as your currency of choice oh and make sure your wipers are on fast and clean your windshield while dopey is counting the nickels.

What is everyone talking about, when they say the commuters from the south don't pay??? The Williams tunnel connects to......wait for it....the south! I will now go out of my way to avoid the tunnel. If the Tobin bridge remains fixed at $3.50 I will use that. If the Tobin Bridge toll increases to $7.00, I will go even further out of my way, and hop on 93 via the "backroads" in Charlestown or Everett. Get ready for the Tobin bridge to have a LOT more wear and tear from the added vehicles. How much do you think the state will save when there are a bunch of lawsuits from the bridge collapsing? Good job not saying Yes on question 1 people!

This is absolutely absurd. As a commuter from the west that has to go into the city everyday, I am completely fed up. Why do those of us who take the Pike alone have to foot the bill with tolls? It makes no sense. The tolls just make a painful commute even more painful in terms of commuting time and financial impact. If and when these toll increases go into effect, I will be abondoning the Pike and taking secondary roads to work. It will take me 5-10 minutes longer, but I don't care. Enough is enough. We need to band together as a community and stick it to the Turnpike Authority. Let's boycott the Pike so that a workday looks like a holiday and put the Turnpike Authority out of business. I heard somewhere that 75% of the money from the tolls goes toward salaries and administrative costs. Not sure if this is accurate. Can anyone confirm?

DEVAL PATRICK--YOU JUST LOST MY VOTE. I SUSPECT I AM NOT ALONE.I VOTED FOR YOU TO COME UP WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS. RAISING TOLLS BY THIS MUCH AND THROWING THE BRUNT OF THIS ON THE WESTERN SUBURBS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Where will these increases stop? I live west of Boston and share the indignation of many that our communities bear the sole burden to pay for the Big Dig and don't benefit from it. I would like to demand some strategic creative thinking of our leaders rather than these frequent, knee-jerk toll increases. Let's look ahead to the future - will Allston tolls be $5 in a couple of years? $8 ? While commuters to the North and South travel for free? I live six miles from Boston and am tired of hearing how tolls are the only solution. RAISE THE GAS TAX. TAX COMMUTERS WHO USE 93.

Most of the people complaining here are probably the same ones that voted no on Question 1. You get the government you deserve.

No wonder they waited until after the election to have the board vote on these hikes! They knew it was coming and they didn't want to hurt themselves in an election.

We need to do what truckers in France do. Let's park our cars on the pike and leave them there until they get the message. They can't tow everyone. Especially if people keep driving up and parking new cars where the previous cars were towed. Let's being this state to a halt so that they will listen to us!

Jack - we got nobody to hold the radar gun. They are all out on paid details somewhere. Pay is double. Clock on the job and then go to the paid detail.

Unbelieveable, the Feds give us billions of dollars to build the Ted Wms tunnel to allieviate traffic, and now no one is going to use them. Who is going to pay $7 when they can go over the Tobin for $3? We'll be using the tunnels for storage soon, and Rte 1 will back up to Saugus. And nobody likes Saugus. Even worse, all these crazy question 1 shut-ins who mistakenly think this makes them right.

There are a lot of folks in Massachusetts that make choices about which roads or which airports to use. You can bet $7.00 for the Ted Williams tunnel will help Manchester, NH and T.F. Green, RI. Good-bye Logan.

The Pike is way too crowded. I hope all these people who threaten to use alternate roads actually do so, so that the Pike gets less crowded.

Well we could always take 99 through Everett into Boston, if they ever bothered to fill the econobox swallowing potholes.

This is riduculous without a doubt. I live South of Boston, and I WILL be effected by these toll increases by virtue of my commute for work EVERYDAY. That having been said, everyone who is complaining about paying maa pike tolls west of the city, and bridge and tunnell tolls north of the city....the turnpike and tunnells cost money before you bought your houses. Whatever the reason that brought you to your community, you had a choice of where to live. Oh and by the way, The commute north in the morning into Boston, and south in the evening out of Boston is WAY more congested than the commute to metro est.of the city, and

call 888-870-7770 now, Devals office. Someone is actually answering the phone. Voice your concern, and barrage their office with calls. is anyone else as mad as me. Let's start a colaition. I want to protest!!! please let me know when the next meeting is too. Let's band together people. Let's cut this off at the pass.

This is definitely not the answer. If an increase in revenue is actually needed (ITS NOT!), then the fair thing to do would be to INCREASE THE GAS TAX. As an adder, just think of how nice it will be when OPEC cuts supplies.... We'll see the price of oil shoot past $200/barrel.....Dust off your soup bowls now....

Family on the North Shore (2x commuters into Boston).
$14 a Day. ($7 + $7)
$70 a Week. ($14 x 5 days)
$3,500 a Year. ($70 a week x 50 weeks a year).
All for the right to drive in a small section of tunnel and get off at the first exit.

Where are the politicians from Metro West and Western Mass?

Vote them out of office!

Almost two years ago I called the governor's office and asked what they were going to do about the tolls on the Pike as it was obvious to anyone who looked at the financial records of the Turnpike Authority that this was coming. A lot "we'll get to it" nonsense was uttered -- NOTHING was done.

We all know it is an unfair burden. We all know it was preventable. Yet, the governor slept while the Pike continued to burn money on a project (the Big Dig) not connected to the Pike. We need new leadership. All of us should remember that when we next have a chance to vote..

A 100% increase all at once is ridiculous. How about gradually increasing over the next three years?

This is insanity - let them work with the money they already have!!!

great...all of the a-holes that voted no on 1 are the reason that the state can get away with this hike. you ought to be ashamed of yourselves for falling into the trap...disgusting

As a resident of East Boston who uses the tunnels and Pike daily this is very frustrating!!!! East Boston is a fantastic community and know no one will know because no one will ever go again. It also hurts the residents of Winthrop and Revere which could be thriving communities given their waterfront properties and proximity to the city but who wants to pay endless tolls. Has any one mentioned that Deval lives in Milton and no mater what way he commutes to work he never has to pay a toll! The toll collectors make way too much money and the South Shore residents should also have some sort of toll to face.

All the roads inside of 128 should be tolled, not just the Tunnels and the Pike. Obviously the roads need money, but the burden should be shared by all not just by people North and West of the city.

Way to go Deval , way to go.
What next !!! Please implement these as well or simple just take the food from our stomach.
1. Charge bicyclists for using the road
2. Toll charges for people for walking over bridges
3. Air respiratory environmental charges for breathing

Way to go !!!!

Dear Deval:

I don’t think you heard Barack correctly. I thought he said “Give the middle class a break” , not “Break the middle class”!!

Westborough to Boston - with this increase will now be $9.20 per day...add $7.30 for 3 gals of gas and $30 parking, you start off $50 in the hole every day working in Boston...Better get those extended trains Commuter Rail...seats will be filled by Ashland....

To all of the people advocating tolls at the NH border on I93 - All of the NHites that work in MA pay 5% of their income to Taxachusetts and get basically no services in return for it. Many other states have lower 'commuting' tax, but not Taxachusetts.

Eliminate all the tolls and increase the gas tax to offset. Of course gas taxes need to go up and they need to keep up with inflation over time also. Eliminating the turnpike authority will save some money by increasing overall efficiency.

Raising tolls to $7 will certainly keep those bridges and tunnels free of traffic... ie as "Lexus lanes", but it is bad public policy and a clear waste of public resources to build roads, tunnels and bridges that most of the public cannot afford to use. The governor has made the half step of proposing to eliminate the turnpike authority, now he needs to step up and eliminate the tolls

All of you liberal Democrats in this state have no one to blame but yourselves....7 out of 10 felt the state government was better off with 5.3% of our earnings than we are; You caused the layoffs of 2000 racing workers (who will now strain that government agency) to cave to a few dog-lovers; You keep voting in clowns like Barney Frank, who was more responsible for the mortgage crisis as ANYONE in the government . You reap what you sow!

I live in southern mass and go on the Pike and bridges about 5 times a year. Why should I pay for your road that you use everday. What have the rest of the state done for me. No Commuter rail, poor roads and no help for us. Live with it!

You liberal morons keep on voting these IDIOTS into office. Serves you right. They should triple the prices for all I care. I don't use those roads anyway.

The lack of common sense here is baffling. Why should pike and tunnel commuters carry the burden of the whole Big Dig. I realize no one wants to see a gas tax you could tax gas 5 cents a gallon, spread the burden properly to everyone who uses the roads and eliminate the tolls. Think of the wasted money that goes into operating the toll system. Not to mention the time and gas wasted sitting in traffic jams at the tolls.

This is only fair. The people who use the benefit's of the Big Dig should have to pay for it. I am tired of paying for it!

What do you expect from a turnpike board made up of a Partner from Coopers & Lybrand, The Chairman of Bowditck & Dewey, A portfolio manager from Fidelity A senior Advisor from Earnst & Young And oh yea some other hack....

You think they care if tolls go up a little If they even have to pay them.

If you can take the back roads to get to work, count your blessings. I live in Winthrop and work on the South Shore. $7 a day to get to 93?! I can't get over how ridiculous this is. I wonder if my boss will tack on an extra grand to my salary to cover getting to work. HA HA.
I guess I'll have to get up a half hour earlier every morning to drive up to the Tobin and double back down 93. At least the gas prices have fallen enough (for now) so the extra mileage will still be cheaper than adding another $17.50 a week in tolls. How about Boston Tea Party part 2?

Seven dollars for the tunnels! Yet the DUMMIES that we are in TAXACHUSETTS will continue to elect these clowns to lead us! Is there not any honest and intelligent people left in this state!

1st off, I voted yes on one and listened to all those people telling me that the money has to come from somewhere to fix the roads, etc, etc....Come on now...the money is coming/going from/to everywhere: income tax, gas tax, cigarette/death tax, excise tax, property tax, alcohol tax, tolls, registry fees, licensing fees, sales tax....call 'em what you like...when does it end...you all had a chance to take a little of it back with Q1 but you all like to give so much. You don't feed the stray dog and then expect it to go away...it always comes back for more. Happy Holidays

We're obviously in deep here. Some good first steps to holding people accountable:

Step 1: Make the people who actually use the Big Dig pay for it. Put tolls on I-93.

Step 2: Lock up the incompetent leaders who got us into this mess. First name that comes to mind -- Bill Weld & James K

Step 3: Send a bill to the private Big Dig management firm.

I am 30 years old, raised in NH, moved and bought a house in Winthrop 2 years ago. My decision to buy a home in this beautiful seaside community is turning out to be a nightmare. With property values dropping and now an increase in the tolls, there is no chance that I will ever get back what I paid for my home. Sadly, the impact this will have on communities East of Boston will be devestating, WHO WOULD WANT TO LIVE HERE. In Winthrop, we do not have the same toll discount as East Boston residents. I think it is time to sell or rent out my home and move back to NH as there is no way I am going to be able to afford to drive to work using the tunnels any longer. Who would have thought that the poor decisions made by our legislature when I was in High School would have such an effect on me some 12 years later. Please, everyone join together and show your support to STOP this.

I don't want a higher gas tax, I don't want high tolls, and I want smaller government that is actually accountable to the residents of the commonwealth.
Gov. Patrick folded like all the other politicians. Hurry up and go to Washington.

(measure would raise an estimated $100 million!!!!)
Find one person who can affored a million dollar toll's ticket ,and I'm sure there are many from those people who voted for this increase and let the working class live.

Visit WWW.STOPTHEHIKE.ORG and contact your representatives, the turnpike authority and governor about how the toll increase will impact you!

People there is nothing we can do! Boycott the Pike-state loses money-we get taxed. take public transportation, they'll increase the fares. Vote yes on question 1 (although I did) tolls would be raised even higher. When will everyone understand that iths is hopeless. The state has us over a barrel. To all the people who ask why we keep electing these RATS? They are the only names on the ballot, and if I am not mistaken per our mayor, write ins are illegal! H-O-P-E-L-E-S-S

Einstiens theory of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over the same way yet expecting a different result. Like a lot of people have saidon this message board, you keep electing the same officials over and over and you get the same result, and that is insanity.

Its simple...if they raise the gas tax that affects everyone. That would mean that more people would be annoyed which would equal less votes. If you just raise tolls you get a smaller portion of the population that is angry enough to not vote for you. This isn't rocket science. They are only interested in keeping their jobs.

Glad I left such a poorly run state...

Pah-leese!!! All you dems who keep voting for dems please stop your whining. Oh, and just wait until the rest of the dems in Washington get a hold of what they don't already have a hold on. Yup! It'll be more taxes, more policing and God knows what else. I'm waiting for January, 2013 if you get my drift!!

The communities directly northwest of Boston such as Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop that don't get discounts on the tunnel tolls will be extremely hard-hit by a $7 tunnel toll. This is an awful idea.

The whole system and process is FLAWED! Why are we forced to pay for a highway that is already paid?! South Shore commuters should be forced to pay something!! Talk about inequalities....

Huh. I think it just became cheaper to drive to TF Green when I fly.

WOW....Is this to cover the Kennedy's new expansion in Martha's Vineyard?

I am in US since last 4 years across several states but find M.A to be most expensive in every sense. Now the toll hikes will add ice to the cake.
i think we should boycott this hike and should avoid these routes,may be it will be a pain for us for some time but may be the state gov may realize the consequence of it.
Increase should be restricted to the upper class who fly rather then for middle class who drives to work.

is there any way for us to just remove all the toll workers, cut headcount, salary, bennies. and raise the gas tax so collectively pay for big dig debt? it also alleviates back ups at the weston, allston tolls wouldn't that be the smartest thing to do.

is there any way for us to just remove all the toll workers, cut headcount, salary, bennies. and raise the gas tax so collectively pay for big dig debt? it also alleviates back ups at the weston, allston tolls wouldn't that be the smartest thing to do.

The 70% of Massholes who voted no on Question 1 should be the ones to pay for an additonal gas tax. The 30% of the sensible residents should be exempt!

i wonder how many of the board members who voted have to use the tunnel every day. does anyone know?

Well we voted 70 to 30 percent that we don't mind giving the government our money. Nice work people

The toll increase will make the traffic at exit 17 even greater because people will start to take back roads to get into and from Boston from there. This increase is more than a financial burden to all the people that live west of Boston, it effects the quality of life for residents that live around there. GAS TAX is the best way to raise the shortfall and at the same time they need to cut the fat like Corporate America.

Oh thank goodness Question 1 was defeted!!! We won't get anymore increases to things because the gov't has all the money it needs...Oh wait no! Now they can screw us even more because 70% of the people are too stupid to lower their own taxes.

Next I'll have to pay the Tobin and on 93S because I commute from Salem to Milton everyday - that won't suck at all...

Oh wait it will...
Thanks Massachusetts I so apprecate being screwed...

The distribution of financial responsibility is not equitable. Add a toll somewhere else. I don't understand why it's free to commute from the South Shore while everyone else pays. How about a toll on the Zakim? Mass goverment agencies are run horribly - the MBTA is the worst.
And I did vote yes on question 1.
I'm so mad I could spit!!

They have absolutely no shame whatsoever.

Taxpayers raped! This is a crime. What a joke these people are.

Politicians turn a blind eye to the fact that HIGH taxes and fees hurt working people's abiltiy to actually live a descent life.

How to ruin the lives of many: High Taxation (and of course FEES) with no end in sight. There seems to be no end to the insidious disease that permeates the halls of Washington and State Houses across the land.

The likes of Dukakis, Kennedy and Kerry and their BIG DIG welfare grab is a perfect example of greed gone amuck on both sides of the political isle.

Imagine if citizens acted like this and indulged in their every whim or acted as though money was no object when behaving badly. Oops! We have that – people who bought homes they couldn’t afford! People on welfare! People who defraud insurance companies! The list is endless.

It's so easy to spend someone else's money. I'm amazed that we haven't found a better way to minimize the harm caused by people on the gimme side of life in this country. New slogan, "Those who pay have the say". It seems to me that this would begin to bring some fiscal responsibility to government because there'd be far less off it.

Hey, if you're laid off what difference will it make?

Don't blame me. I voted NO on Question One.

I pity the 7 out of 10 people who voted against Question One. Now after the ballot, the state democrats are coming very hard at making your lives miserable.

There will be more increases to come, including PROPERTY TAXES. You guys are fools. This state will never ever reduce spending.

If I didn't have so many friends and relatives in this state, I would have moved away LONG time ago.

Stop talking and start acting before it gets too late. Call your state Reps and Senators.

Everyone.. Please call the governors office and voiced your concerns. 1-888-870-7770

so everyone who voted against question 1 should be happy now. Now we can pay a higher toll and see no reduction in our taxes.

Hey knucklehead Linsky, there are plenty of us that live on the South Shore that still use the tolls every day to get to work and go home. No free lunch here.

If Massachusetts was a project on This Old House, Tom Silva would tell us to tear the old shack down and don't waste your time trying to fix it.
- $15 Billion Big Dig price tag.
- $7 tunnel tolls
- $2 for Allston and Weston tolls
Safe bet that tolls will go up again within 12-18 months.

Think about that: eventually will be $10 to get through the Ted.
Pay with a $20 and you'd STILL get 10 grubby singles back from the toll clerk.

I have to say, I am not shocked though I should be. This is an unfair burden for certain residents to pay higher tolls than they already do for the mismanagement of the State. This should be costing all residents, not just a small percentage of the population. I guarantee that no one who passed this lives on the other side of the TWT or Sumner, we already have to pay the inflated toll. Oh wait, they probably have their tolls paid by us, the taxpayers, so essentially we are paying this toll twice. Quite convenient for them. I am DISGUSTED by this

just an FYI - the gov't can't raise the property tax more than about 2% per year, which they'll do anyway. And trust me question 1 would never have been enacted - Congress would never have put that one through. You're an idiot if you think that voting NO was a good idea.

And I don't believe that calling the congressional leaders will do any good, they haven't listened to us before. They do whatever they want and MA keeps putting them in office! Well done...if you want to do something, vote for non-incumbants. The guys in there care only for themselves and how to line their own pockets.

All tolls should be abolished. But I hate when people talk about commuters from NH and Maine getting a free commute into Mass. We have to pay Mass income tax and do not use all of the services that you use (though we use some). Plus I take the Tobin so they take my money even though it has only been two lanes for like 9 months.

go to mass.gov and masspike.com, get the contact information, and complain!

Vote no on question one....see what it got you!!!!
See how they did this AFTER the election!

Instead of whining about the toll increases from the west, why not consider public transportation. I live in Framingham and take the Peter Pan commuter bus into Boston every day. It's cheaper than the train, there's free parking at Flutie Pass and plenty of open seats. There are other options besides driving alone in your car and paying for gas, tolls, parking, etc.

To all of you who are complaining here...

If you voted NO on Q1, then you have NO voice in this debate. By voting NO on Q1, you have proven that you support tax increases and wasteful government spending. Policy makers have zero incentive to cut spending or improve efficiency because you have proven to them that you have not had enough. You should keep your mouths shut and suck it up because you have already voiced your opinion on the issue of new taxes.

Maybe next time

How about Patrick and the rest of his Turnpike cronies resigning first for allowing such as catastrophe and then the new Governor should apply for some of the federal bailout money...Phoenix and Philadelphia are already lining up

There is going to be 2 public meetings on this......they gonna be great!!!

I wonder how much of this money will end up in people pockets as always? This is one bug screw job to the citizens of the state, we are all in a financial crisis and the pols react with the biggest toll hike in history, THANKS! We already pay way too much in taxes, way too much in housing costs, and now this, thanks for nothing. Is Wilkerson running this or something?

Duck Tour $35
Ride to or from the airport $65
The big dig $15 Billion

Voting no on question 1 and 2 weeks later having the tolls and MBTA parking double.................PRICELESS
There are some things money can't buy.......For everything else there's TAXACHUSETTS

As a poster, Phil, already mentioned. This is just devastating to those of us here in Winthrop. I bought my place as well about 2 years ago. Winthrop is such a beautiful ocean community. A working class community. It is such a shame that it will soon be a ghost town, that is of course, if any of us can actually sell our homes now! Good luck! Although, for the loss I may take, it'll will probably be equal to what I will save by NOT using the Ted.

Winthrop residents need to fight this! Why don't they offer something like a monthly commuter pass at a very discounted rate for those of us in Winthrop and Revere.

Did you know South Boston residents in addition to North End residents qualify for the discount program? Yet, they never really need to use the Ted.

I am completely sickened by this.

Dirtbags.

Massachusetts has the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful finances I've ever known in my life.

BAAAAAA-AA-aa.

I AM ABSOLUTELY AMAZED THAT THERE IS EVEN A SUGGESTION THAT OUR TOLLS SHOULD BE DOUBLED!!!! I LIVE IN WINTHROP AND A SHORT RIDE TO BRIGHTON EACH DAY WILL NOW COST ME $1,950!!! THAT'S ALMOST $2,000!!!

$2,0000!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A GAS TAX IS THE ONLY WAY!!!

After the Big Dig managements screw up this project, it's not right that the tax payers have to pay for their mistake. All the managements people should go to jail and pay for that mass they made. Leave the taxpayers ALONE!

This makes me sick. I rather spend extra money on gas and go the long way around than pay the toll hike. $3.50 A DAY is way to much.

why is this the only state in the country that whines about tolls.connecticut removed their tolls and had to sell out to casinos, now their revenues are down how'd that work out for them. it was a few months back when gas was 4. and change a gallon, how did a gas tax sound then. hey mass. stop whinning!!!!!

Take the T you schmucks!!!

This is just so typical. Reward the rich and screw the poor. When are us working stiffs going to get a bail out?

I humbly submit the following suggestions to our govt. :
Step 1- as many said before, raise the gas tax. Point out to people that the gas tax has not gone up in at least 10 years. Set it up with a cieling and floor: if the wholesale petro price goes above $100 per barrel, then the tax goes down; if the price goes below $50 barrels then the tax goes up.
Step 2-put a toll on 93 just before the 93/95 split or on I-95 and 93 near the NH border (that's what MD and DE do)
Step 3- keep tolls on the turnpike, but implement peak pricing. Cars with 2 or more passengers in rush hour go free or with discount.
Step 4- eliminate inefficiencies by having entrance tolls based on zones. It's inefficient to get a ticket on one end and pay at the other. Cameras could monitor the exits and watch for cheats.
The answer to the problems are easy. The poltical courage to try them is evidently lacking.

All tolls should be abolished. Besides slowing traffic they exclude the many others that benefit from the Big Dig, viz;., merchants, tourist trade, and all that enjoy a quieter, more beautiful Boston.

Much better to cut costs, services and tax appropriately to fix infrastructure.

This is ludicrous and an issue of justice. How is that the lower income communities of East Boston, Revere and Winthrop are being unduly burdened with the costs of the State? There has to be a different way and I, for one, will be attending all of the public hearings on this issue. Everyone who is opposed to this MUST turn out for the public meetings! The State needs to understand that this is not something that people will accept lying down.

Why is it that only the North Shore and people west of Boston have to always pay??

WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH SHORE - ROUTE 3 AND 93????????? IS THIS STATE STUPID??????????????

Why do we not collect tolls at the New Hampshire Board like New Hamspshire does??????????????????

The secondary roads will continue to be overused and abused.

I will NEVER pay the bridge or tunnel tolls ever again.

Why is it that only the North Shore and people west of Boston have to always pay??

WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE ON THE SOUTH SHORE - ROUTE 3 AND 93????????? IS THIS STATE STUPID??????????????

Why do we not collect tolls at the New Hampshire Board like New Hamspshire does??????????????????

The secondary roads will continue to be overused and abused.

I will NEVER pay the bridge or tunnel tolls ever again.

The defintion of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. The uneducated idiots in this state elect the same people to office, and expect different results.

And why should we raise the gas tax? How long will that provide enough money? They'll need more later, because if they can't manage the money they have now properly, how are they going to manage more any better?
Bet you plebs wish you had passed the tax repeal: that would have come in handy for paying the new tolls!

REGARDING THE TOLL HIKE;

TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO LIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER; I'LL MISS YOU TERRIBLY AND THINK OF YOU OFTEN. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL AND SEND CURRENT PHOTOS.

Enough! Time to impeach Deval and his friends in the senate.

so unfair, this state has nickled and dimed us every way they can. Everyone use 16,99,60, anything but the pike, the promise to us was once it was finished the tolls would be gone, lied to again form our un-fine politicians.thanks.

Gov.patric you should be ashamed of yourself

This is ridiculous, I live in Brighton and commute to and from Lynn everyday taking the Pike. Public transportation takes an hour and a half each way and alternate routes add ~45 minutes onto my 14 hour work day. Thanks for the extra inconvenience.

My mom, who lives in East Boston, told me that they promised years ago when they built the Sumner/Callahan tunnels that the tolls would end once they were paid for. HA! Tolls are an addiction. Get thee to a 12-step program already!

If Deval Patrick thinks the toll hikes are a short-term fix and that he will clean house later, I don't believe it.

I think everyone within 10 miles of the airport should get the Ted Williams discount that Eastie residents get.

Also speak up to cabbies if you live in Malden, Medford, Everett, etc and make sure they don't take the tunnel to take you home from the airport. There's no need for them to go that way and have you pay about $10 extra in tolls.

My $.02 (soon to be $10)

Two things,...first of all this has NOTHING to do with the income tax question. Anyone who thinks the state could run without income tax just doesn't get it at all.

As for calling your state rep, I called mine, Kathy Ann Reinstein, and they told me that there was nothing she could do as it was not a legislative matter...just the governors doing....good thing she's on my side!

those that piss and moan over paying a huge outragous fee in the the tunnels, suck it up, you drive through it, pay it. Why should a person that NEVER goes through the tunnels have gas taxed to give those that do use it a break??? talk about your gimmie girls again!!!! You are all probably the same crybabies that elected dedonothing into governership and obama president!! As far as the tolls go, I dont use them and dont give a crap about what they cost. but I do feel that raising tolls to pay for the 15B toilet in boston is outragously wrong. As a gas tax would be also. Want to pay for the BD, simple,,, make every person that drives into boston pay a fee, a entrance fee like in London. And if you think 8 bucks is bad?? I drove over the tapenzee bridge with my camper and it cost me 24 f'ing bucks!!!! I have said for a long time, put a toll just north of 495 on rt 93 and 95 for the north. Then one to the south. If NH can have an entrance tax, why cant MA????

Well I know that I will be flying out of Manchester and Providence from now on. I think that these airports should be looking to invite larger airlines to use their airports. $7 bucks just to get home from the airport? What a joke!

I am going to fly out of TF Green in RI now. Good thing we voted to keep the income tax so they wouldn't tax us in other ways. This is the worst state ever our elected officals do not care about us at all when we will learn this and vote them out??

A few suggestions: Please put a toll at every border coming in to this state. Ct., RI., and NH drivers are using the roads and taking advantage of our job market, make them pay. Also abolish the Mass Turnpike Authority, they are now a "pork barrel" entity that should be absorbed by Mass Highway.

I'm confused by this conversation. The MTA (mass turnpike authority) exists under a law enacted in 1955 (or so). It's mission was to build and maintain a 138 mile section of roadway from the NY line to Rt 128. They did and are doing that. Tolls for that portion of the roadway started (in 1957) at $2.45 and are now $2.70.

On that point, I don't think that $0.15 is anywhere near equal to inflation from 1957 to today... but they were also "supposed to" abolish tolls on that portion of the road once the pike was paid for. In 2006 or so, there was still approx $140mill in construction costs owed... out of about $250mill to build it in the 50's.

Over the past few years, the state has turned over more roadways to the management of the MTA. This includes the eastern portions of I-90, all of the Big Dig (including the Zakim bridge), the Sumner and Callahan, the Ted Williams and parts of Rt 99 in/near Charlestown.

So.... The $2.70 for the western part of the pike.... can't really complain about... though it's hard to imagine how $250mill hasn't been paid off in 50 years...
The tunnel tolls and eastern pike tolls have to cover the operating expense of the higheways in Boston....

Making this even more troubling is the fact that the MTA is it's own entity. It does not receive tax money. The chairman of the MTA's board is appointed by the governor... however, a current governor cannot simply fire the MTA's chairman.... because the MTA is a seperate legal entity.

So, w/out a change in legislation, the MTA operates like a business... any real change to the system must be enacted through legislation.... otherwise the MTA can pretty much do whatever it wants to the tolls.

Comparing the tolls to taxes is way off base... because the money which the MTA recieves through tolls is required by law to be spent on the operational expenses of the roadways under it's purview.... and the MTA does NOT receive any tax money from the state. The tolls on the bike are more like the ticket to ride at disneyland. You're paying to use a service provided by the MTA.

All told, this gives some idea as to why it's so hard for the mass legislature to reign in the MTA, MBTA, and MassPort. They are non-governmental agencies which were created by the state and have special rules.... but require new legislation to force any change in their management.

YOU vote democrates year after year, YOU vote no on issue 1 this year, How about we send all democratic voters and no on issue 1 voters a bill for all increases...............idiots!

How about we cut the budget on the pike? Toll collectors are overpaid for such a menial job as it is. You have a useless job, if we cut the tolls like they were supposed to have been cut years ago we wouldn't even need to pay your rediculous salary. How about we cut back on welfare? What about all the other "public" programs that are draining money out of the hardworking middle class? This is what we get when our state constantly elects a liberal government, but then fails to give it oversight. How long does this madness need to go on for until you all realize, that YOUR votes have created this rediculous eventuality.

HAHAHAHAha... KEEP voting these IDIOTS into office.. you all get what you deserve.

I have three suggestions, 1) Make Fast Lane Transponders free, 2) lay off all but one or two toll collectors per interchange, & turn all the rest of the lanes into FastLanes, 3) add FastLane readers and camera based tolls on I93 around the Big Dig. Laying off the toll collectors should easily save enough money to pay for the additional FastLane readers and camera based tolls within the first year. Installing a FastLane/Camera based toll system on I93 will not change traffic patterns at all. No toll booths means not having to slow down for tolls, just drive on through.

I drive from Framingham to Watertown every day for work, but I rarely drive all the way into Boston. So I don't benefit at all from the Big Dig. And on the days I drive through Boston and the Big Dig, I'd be OK paying for that. It's unbelievable that we don't have tolls specifically for the Big Dig area. I drove my mother through there once (she's from NY) and one of her first comments was "Wow, I can't believe you don't have to pay any tolls to use this".

As for what's happened already... If this rate hike goes through I'll expect that we shouldn't see any other rate hike again for a LOOONG time as this is around a 70% increase. I think if I asked my boss fro a 70% increase he'd laugh me out of his office.

this is pathetic!! Once again the tax payers are paying extra becasue of mismanagement. Fire those fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The T , Massport and the Turnpike Authority need to be centralized. The T parking is going up $2 per day!! Now the tolls..when will it stop???
We are having a hard time , why can't they help us instead of screwing us The jobs in those agencies pay a lot of money and they don't have to pay these fares as workers...a perk.

To all of you who are complaining here...

If you voted NO on Q1, then you have NO voice in this debate. By voting NO on Q1, you have proven that you support tax increases and wasteful government spending. Policy makers have zero incentive to cut spending or improve efficiency because you have proven to them that you have not had enough. You should keep your mouths shut and suck it up because you have already voiced your opinion on the issue of new taxes.

Maybe next time
*********************************************************
I voted No and I'm not complaining, I'm all for the increases, so I do have a voice in this debate

won't affect me in the slightest, so I'm all for it.

As a smoker, I can relate to this. I'm punished for smoking, so now people who need to travel into the city are punished

c'est la vie

Those who pay tolls on the pike while commuting to and from work... CAN'T COMPLAIN...all you have to do is save your receipts (or get a FASTLANE pass and use the statements) and this cost is deductible from your state income taxes.

Agree - When do South Shore commuters start paying their share??????

We shouldn't put tolls on the South Shore, because we don't get the same service level as the folks North and West... Routes 95, 24, and 3 all have to funnel onto the SE Expressway. Build 95 through the city like it was originally supposed to, and I'll pay a toll on my new road....

And MetroWest people should stop complaining about the Big Dig only helping N-S commuters. The ride into downtown and Logan from the west benefits from the project, too..

Look , If i read one more comment to raise the gas tax I'm going to puke. Wake up vote the DEMS out ! NO MORE TAX! Also didn't Mitt want to take out all the tolls?

My brother lives in Winthrop. I live in Framingham. If my math is correct (and correct me if I'm wrong), when the new toll rates go into effect in March, I will be paying $20.50 in tolls to visit my brother.

The annual commute will increase by $960 for Metrowest commuters.

These new toll hikes the state is imposing is criminal. Know on top of our FED. taxes being used to bail financial institutions, wall street, and homeowners who foreclose,we now have to bail out the state over the BIG DIG and mismanagement.

First this morning's BPD construction detail story, and now this. . .I find it hard to believe that raising tolls is the only way to address the MTA's debt situation.

This is truly astonishing. Back roads, here I come.

Ridiculous. Why penalize residents--who are already undergoing financial trauma from the market collapse and job losses--for the gross mismanagement of the turnpike authority. They should be ashamed.

A doubling of tolls on the tunnels does seem a big expensive. (although, throughout the country, we have some of the cheaper tunnels).

I'll never understand about the Taxi increase. You think you're only hitting visitors, but you're really hitting people who are smart enough not to drive to the airport. There should be NO tolls for taxi's - they should be FREE!!!

I do not commute down the Mass Pike but I feel your pain. If I did use the Pike to get to work and earn the income to support my family and pay the taxes that this State looks for every pay check I would say its time to revolt. My advise to these poor drivers is to start writing and let your local Pols know that they won't see another term unless they ease this unfair burden. And I am Liberal as they come.Good luck!
PS: Take the leed from President Obama and use the internet to make change.(no punn intended).

I commented on an early morning story that suggested tolls would be raised and pointed out, sigh, what many others are also saying. This is not fair to Metrowest commuters.

With the toll increases, I will change my driving routes, allowing whatever extra time it takes (it's not clear it will!) to go about my travels.

I believe there are many others that will cut back on turnpike driving. We are tired of the cost, the traffic, the construction delays, and the lack of respect with which we in Metrowest are treated. Effective oversight has been lacking for years, the funds are always short, and we always get stuck with the bill.

It'll be balanced out by our property tax relief! Oh, wait a minute...

Once again, the people on the north shore are being penalized by the rise in the tolls! This is a vain stupid attempt to collect more revenue for a shoddy big dig job to begin with. We have a piss poor economy; lack of jobs; and now this! Enoughs enough!@

I live on the South Shore so I don't have to deal with these tolls normally. Raising these fees does very little to cover the costs of the big dig, because of the thieves in the legislature, that always manage to route these funds into some lame-ass "Bridge to nowhere" for their own constituency. I feel sorry for those that do have to use these roads & tunnels to get to work every day. I suggest you Find alternate routes & clog up the secondary routes in order to send a message to these leaders that we are not going to continue to support their poor financial management. Then throw the bums out!

Now all of you know why we should have passed question 1, scale back the state income tax. Maybe next time you will vote appropriately.

Good! Each and every one of you Bostonians (east of 495) have been profiting form those of us in WMASS who have paid for your big dig bills for years. It's about time you pay your fair share and the rest of us get a break.

Good! Each and every one of you Bostonians (east of 495) have been profiting form those of us in WMASS who have paid for your big dig bills for years. It's about time you pay your fair share and the rest of us get a break.

Hey the people who voted 70% to 30% to keep the income tax got nobody to blame but themselves. Hold onto your wallets now, as they read that as you like paying taxes and the huge spread said there is a lot more room for more. Watch for all the state fees and additional local fees to keep piling on now. Your sales tax, property tax, gas tax, and income tax are just not enough you fools. You want change you better start voting for more than one party. Whoever your State Rep is they might be the nicest guy in the world but if they are part of the Democratic Monopoly Party here they need to be booted out it is the only way to get change. I would say the same thing if it was the Republicans controlling everything. Monopoly is illegal for business for a reason you would think people wouldn't vote for a monopoly. Wake up Citizens you get what you deserve. They are going to tell you the end of the world is coming next year if you don't cough up more.

We really get the best and brightest in office here in Massachusetts. After decades of the redundant waste that is the Turnpike Authority and the obvious lack of fairness with the tolls, their solution? Double the unfair tolls....

Governor Patrick and House and Senate Members, restructure the debt and adjust the gas tax, please?

This is the BEST thing that happened to Mass. I hope this duchebag increases all the taxes accross the board. You wanted Deval in office? Well then, here you have it. I hope he sucks all the money out of you and then asks for your vote again. And you know what? You are going to give it too.... because your one track mind can not comprehend voting for a Republican.

Yes we can.....
Hilarious.

Why can't MASS PIKE refinance it's debt at lower rate..

Your State Reps e-mail is easily accessed on line. They do listen to their constituents. I gaurantee most of you complainers never once called or emailed your politicians. You just bitch about how "they" screw you. Get off your butts and contact them.
The other complainers are talking about Question 1.....What do you think would be happening if it passed you dolts?!
And the rest of you that want to blame it on Democrats...please move to one of the states like FL, TX or AZ.....If you think our schools are bad....we are Einsteins compared to them.
I am not rich, I own my own business and my wife and I are raising 2 kids. I would not want to live anywhere else than Massachusetts(and I have lived other places). I'm proud to be a Democrat and I just do not understand how the complainers that want infrustructure for free think we would be better off with the Holy Roller Republicans?????

Everyone should have voted YES on Question 1 (eliminating the State Income Tax). It would have sent the proper message. Instead, the message sent is that we don't pay enough taxes, so feel free to raise the tolls!

Your State Reps e-mail is easily accessed on line. They do listen to their constituents. I gaurantee most of you complainers never once called or emailed your politicians. You just bitch about how "they" screw you. Get off your butts and contact them.
The other complainers are talking about Question 1.....What do you think would be happening if it passed you dolts?!
And the rest of you that want to blame it on Democrats...please move to one of the states like FL, TX or AZ.....If you think our schools are bad....we are Einsteins compared to them.
I am not rich, I own my own business and my wife and I are raising 2 kids. I would not want to live anywhere else than Massachusetts(and I have lived other places). I'm proud to be a Democrat and I just do not understand how the complainers that want infrustructure for free think we would be better off with the Holy Roller Republicans?????

That is ridiculous. I dont even ride into boston just for that fact. I may visit there once or twice a year at most. The train price is ridiculous as well, plus they are making you pay to park in the parking lot. Is there anything they WONT put a price on? Its sickening.
Next , im sure, were going to have to pay to use public restrooms....
thanks taxachusetts
( I cant believe i voted for these people and im a proud democrat! )

There is the option of just not paying it.
I mean, use the pike and the tunnels, but don't pay the fair or don't use your transponder.
If we all boycotted for one day or two or three, we could bring them to their knees.
There are no gates at the tolls.
They can't pull all of us over.
When you receive the ticket in the mail, just don't pay it.
They can't take action against all of us.
They might close the road completely after a couple of days of this, but where will that get them?
a "Boston Tea party" for a new age.
What do you think??

Thanks for saying No on Question 1...

If you did...stop complaining

Thanks for voting all these same jack**ses back the the state house

If you did....stop complaining

Just for kicks, thanks for voting back Barney and Kerry

If you did....stop complaining.

When is this state going to stop simply voting democrat for every election. Hold these crooks responsible...Marzilli, Frank, Di Masi...WHY ARE THEY REELECTED!

Wow, absolutely disgusting. I hope the Toll lane workers choke on their pensions and fumes. MA- you should be ashamed !

You know whats funny? About 99% of the entries here are negative - nobody likes this tax hike.

However, when it was Obama sticking it to just Richie Rich, 65% of you got in line to vote for him!!

Taxes suck.

"Did you know South Boston residents in addition to North End residents qualify for the discount program? Yet, they never really need to use the Ted."

Yes, because their neighborhoods were impacted by the Big Disaster. Winthrop's neighborhoods have been impacted for YEARS by the MWRA and Massport. We get the highest water bills around and "soundproof" windows (and what a farce that is).

I am a life-long resident of Winthrop and am disgusted by this increase. I voted "NO" on #1. Even if #1 had passed, the taxpayers were going to have to foot the bills somehow. Some communities have passed a 2 1/2 override, so those can raise their taxes as much as they want. A higher sales tax? Any member of any party would have found a way to stick it to the taxpayers.

The Big Disaster didn't just happen overnight. Kerasiotis? Amorello? Years and years of mismanagement, waster, shoddy construction, and delays. And now we all have to pay. Oh, my bad. Only the people who use the tunnels do and to an extent the folks who use the A/B tolls (for someone in Winthrop who works in, say, Newton, that's $11/day in tolls). Meanwhile, the people who come into the city over the nice new Zakim Bridge don't pay a dime.

My job requires me to be in my office six days a week most weeks. I am looking forward to figuring out where the extra $24 a week I'll be spending in tolls will be coming from.

The two Romney appointees to the MTA just so happen to be wives of people with a lot of clout at Mitt's old stomping ground - Bain Capital (and one just so happens to be married to one of the owners of the Celtics). This is not a rumor - look it up. It's not just the Dems who appoint their pals...

The Turnpike Authority board has power and knows how to abuse it. The tolls are clearly unfair taxation. I pay over $1000 a year in tolls and never get near the Big Dig. The only solution is to get rid of our feckless representatives. Until they see their jobs as providing fair and just government, they will enjoy the revenue stream no matter how unfair it is. I hope they continue to raise the tolls. Then perhaps the people will act.
PS I voted to keep the state income tax, it is fair.

The Turnpike Authority board has power and knows how to abuse it. The tolls are clearly unfair taxation. I pay over $1000 a year in tolls and never get near the Big Dig. The only solution is to get rid of our feckless representatives. Until they see their jobs as providing fair and just government, they will enjoy the revenue stream no matter how unfair it is. I hope they continue to raise the tolls. Then perhaps the people will act.
PS I voted to keep the state income tax, it is fair.

This is not about being a democrat or republican. This is about being an American. The type of people who thinks they are better than everybody else. The type of person who thinks they have the power and do anything they can when they have it. It so funny when people say they are patriotic, then when something happens in their society, they blame it on the democrats or the republicans. It's not the Democrats or Republicans : IT'S BOTH. It's the American people in general, you always blame other and never take it upon yourselves or ourselves. When America Deteriorize, you blame each other. You never decide to help each other. So... IT'S THE AMERICANS. Not just democrats or republicans. Pep up. At least you won't see the tolls at 10 dollars till next year.

How is making the toll to use the tunnel $7 fair for people who live in Winthrop? We do not get a discount like East Boston and Chelsea. Winthrop is working class. I can guarantee most of us can not afford $7 a day to use the tunnel. How is this fair? Why should the working class have to pay for the Big Dig? How come 93 has no tolls? This is ridiculous. Sometimes I really hate this state and all the BS that comes with living here.

I am also a Winthrop resident, and I greatly appreciate the opinions that are being presented by our community. I work in Boston and I have to commute through the tunnel Monday thru Saturday which will soon cost me $35 per week. Ouch. Thanks Deval for making my life miserable. I truly can not wait to re-elect you.
Thanks for letting me vent.
PS, I do not like East Boston anymore!

Given:
(1) The Big Pig was built ostensibly to improve (and to hide) the NORTH-SOUTH traffic in BOSTON;
(2) Removing airport traffic from I-93 was part of the plan to reduce traffic in the north-south direction (TWT);
(3) The Commonwealth lacked the ability to repay the Pig Big debts;
(4) The Big Pig debts were assigned to the Turnpike (AN EAST-WEST ROAD) under Cellucci/Swift because it had a revenue stream, and demonstrated revenue was necessary to get the Bonds rated AAA.
SOLVE:
I live near Worcester and get off the pike at Allston. Can you explain why I should pay higher tolls to pay for the Big Pig?

All you MOONBATS did this to yourselves when you voted AGAINST the state income tax repeal. Btw, all of you enlightened people fell for the biggest scam in the book. Question 1 was a REFERENDUM, which means it would have not be into law but would have sent a message that waste and corruption and collusion will not be tolerated anymore. However, you psycho moonbats sent a very different yet very familiar message when you rejected Ques 1....That message was "please rob me some more"....Why do you think they delayed this "vote" until after Nov 4th.....Now, all of you fools will see the tolls increased as well as an increase in the gas tax and increases on just about anything they can get their hands on.....SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!

Leaving Mass won't help. Believe me, it is like this in most states when it comes to roads. Why can't we just eliminate the Turnpike Authority, scale back Massport, turn roads and tunnels over to Mass Highway, and pay for maintenance, improvements, and big dig debt with an increase in the gas tax? This would be fair for everyone(as fair as you can get). I know we all want something for free, but we have to pay for roads somehow.

Now this is CHANGE we can believe in!
What a joke. You liberals don't get it - so
you will continue to fund a growing government
that has no idea what they are doing.
Wait till this concept spreads more to the Federal level.

Living in East Boston, this just further isolates us. Everyone who wants to visit us now needs to pay $7. This is the worst thing that can happen to a developing neighborhood. How come our govn't officials can't come up with a more equitable way to spread this burden? I don't recall the big dig being asked for by the residents of East Boston.

I honestly can not believe you people! In response to a toll increase your knee jerk reaction is to increase the gas tax?! How about cut spending, dismantle the Turnpike Authority, and make those responsible be held to task? You refuse to eliminate your state income tax and now you want to increase your gas tax! What a bunch of lemmings! You now totally believe that higher taxes are the answer to everything. This is why I left the state 6 years ago. I went from a 2400 square foot house with taxes of $4k to a brand new 3400 square foot house with taxes of $1000. My wife and I reduced our family income by $90,000 and we are better off than ever. You people will never, ever learn.

I have firmly decided to pursue a career in politics now, especially here in Massachusetts. It's gotta be the best job ever. Take money, spend it essentially how you like, and if you mess up, no worries! People here will actually use their right to vote for more or continued taxation. Where else would a hike this ridiculous pass with a 4 to 1 vote? People here are proud of their work and work hard to provide for themselves and their families--I still, after 9 years here, cannot understand why and how people vote for more taxes. There are plenty of other states that do not have this phenomena and people seem to be supported and prospering.

Well folks, as "taxachusetts" mentions in his post, we all need to get ourselves to these public hearings and be heard. I'll be there, will you?

These people are no better than common thieves. And given that the Globe is in bed with the office of the Governor (see his heart-felt "Op-Ed" piece from yesterday) I'm sure the next thing we will see from the Globe editorial board is a piece in support of this hike. You know, "it's painful, but it must be done." God forbid we do something sensible and fair such as spreading the pain around equally. People - contact your legislators and demand action. Show up at the public hearing and make your voices heard. Enough is enough. For those who don't think they'll be impacted, think again - if we allow this, what is next?

I honestly can not believe you people! In response to a toll increase your knee jerk reaction is to increase the gas tax?! How about cut spending, dismantle the Turnpike Authority, and make those responsible be held to task? You refuse to eliminate your state income tax and now you want to increase your gas tax! What a bunch of lemmings! You now totally believe that higher taxes are the answer to everything. This is why I left the state 6 years ago. I went from a 2400 square foot house with taxes of $4k to a brand new 3400 square foot house with taxes of $1000. My wife and I reduced our family income by $90,000 and we are better off than ever. You people will never, ever learn.

Time for a tea party!!

I already get charged $5.25 each time I use the TWT.

For whatever reason, I'm charged the taxi rate when I use my fast lane pass, while driving my Jeep Wrangler. No, my Jeep is not a taxi, and every time I use that toll plaza when leaving the airport, I get charged too much. I have to call and dispute the bill EVERY MONTH! If they increase the toll for passenger cars, I can't wait to see what they will charge me next time. I'm sure the taxi rate will be at least $9.

A NOTE TO THOSE WHO USE THE FAST LANE WHEN LEAVING THE AIRPORT. CHECK YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT AND MAKE SURE YOU WERE NOT CHARGED $5.25 FOR THE TOLL BOOTH. IT'S A TOTAL SCAM THAT WRAPS YOU UP IN PHONE TAG AND PEOPLE WHO "DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WERE CHARGED THIS MUCH."

In closing, my favorite line is "Sir, are you sure that you were not driving a taxi when you left the airport?"

I'd start taking the train, but parking prices just went up, and I'm sure that train fares will follow soon enough.

Now, GO CHECK YOUR LATEST TOLL STATEMENT!

Isn't it refreshing to know that the turnpike authority will hold 2 hearings before these tolls go into effect in February? I went to their hearings last time they were going to raise the tolls. A lot of angry people showed up to complain and reason with the Turnpike Authority. You were not allowed to ask any questions of the people who represented the Turnpike Authority. They looked like low level employees who were sent to sit and listen to the complainers. The toll increase was a done deal and the hearings were a complete sham!. What a waste of time!

Isn't it refreshing to know that the turnpike authority will hold 2 hearings before these tolls go into effect in February? I went to their hearings last time they were going to raise the tolls. A lot of angry people showed up to complain and reason with the Turnpike Authority. You were not allowed to ask any questions of the people who represented the Turnpike Authority. They looked like low level employees who were sent to sit and listen to the complainers. The toll increase was a done deal and the hearings were a complete sham!. What a waste of time!

The Mass reps for the North Shore should be voted out of office. It is unfair the residents in Winthrop, Noth Shore and Newton who must use these roads to get to work must be forced to pay one cent more than the residents of East and South Boston. I think we shold rebel and replace our politician. They are without a doubt unreliable. I was told by a local pol that East Boston would never see and increase. The taxpayers in this area need to send DeLeo and Peturcelli a message. LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT RUN. DeLeo and Dimasi are from the same cloth. Me Me Me Me

Why should anyone be surprised? The same Liberal morons continue to vote in the same tax and spend patronage hacks over and over again. Look at Barney Frank whose boyfriend Barney got a job for at Fanny Mae.....and now thanks to these idiots who keep voting him in, HE'S going to head the panel deciding what to do with our $750,000,000,000 they just stole from us!!
They know they have free reign to do whatever they want.

Well, despite all the whining and yelling here- let's just tackle this with facts:

Rough math shows that if you commute from beyond Weston on the Pike, you'll spend $1920 a year to commute to work in Boston. $3360 if you commute from anywhere needing then tunnels. These are more expensive commuting costs than NYC, I should make note. Then of course, if you are a traveler- let's not even mention the costs that you will get nailed with by taking a cab from the airport. Unfortunately it is only a matter of time before our reputation precedes us and travelers drop to a degree. When Fodors comes to mention in one of their new book about how not only in Boston expensive on the baseline with hotels and such- but the fee at the airport are some of the highest in the nation in addition to having the highest cabs fares, well...

I understand the Governor is trying to do a good job given the circumstances, but let's be honest here- raising the gas tax is the fairest way to go- end of story. Plus, in the end it would save more money by eliminating the business of toll-taking all together.

Because of the real estate bubble burst, rents have begun to rise, additionally- other cost have risen, now this as well. I hate to say it, but people will start leaving at a greater rate soon for other cities to live, work and visit/tour.

Boston is going to crumble under the weight of its costs as many communities in California have.

This plan is not wise, the gas tax would be much more equitable. I wish our elected officials could see reason, after all- Massachusetts is home to Harvard, MIT and plenty of other institutions that produce intelligence and knowledge, you'd think they'd put it to use.

This state is run by a bunch of corrupt political gasbags who are only out to pad the union and their own pocket. Here's an idea don't pay toll workers $70k/year and don't spend $100 million/year on useless police details at construction sites, which NO OTHER state does. Do those two things and tolls will be a thing of the past. Does no one understand the concept of responsible fiscal spending, especially in the midst of an economic meltdown? Raising tolls will only incentivize people to drive on secondary roads causing increased congestion, creating more potholes that will need to be repaired by further raising taxes for you and I. This is OUTRAGEOUS, we need to vote these bums out of office.

What do you guys expect? You voted "the Devil Patrick" in and hes gona bleed you dry.

Enjoy.

Why aren't any TOLLS on 93 n or s

Im sorry, but the traffic there is ten times more and the traffic goes through the Big Dig!!!!

Why aren't those drivers paying!!!!!!!

well just don't take the roads that have tolls, take 128 and to the 93, than you don't to use the toll roads. doesn't that make sense to everyone. I know it is a little bit longer but yet you will still get to boston if you are working in boston. thank i god i am 10 minutes away from where i live from wortk from,. pam

First, why is the Turnpike in deep debt? When that's determined ... that's where to attack.

Second, if it is proven to the absolute that the Turnpike Authority needs additional revenue, I suggest the pain be spread to all highway users not just those living on the North Shore and Western suburbs....

Toll collection should be more efficient... Haven't seen them in the US, but have near Toronto and from the airport to downtown in Melbourne ... electorinic tolls with cameras checking EVERY plate ... no overpaid toll takers. Visitors and those without a prepaid pass get 24 hours to pay up using a credit card via phone or computer or at perhaps convenience stores and kiosks.

2c-3c a gallon gas tax.

Eletronic tolls on all highways at state borders.

Carpoolers would have special lanes and get 1/2 price.

What a coincidence they postponed the vote on this robbery till after the election. Good thinking hacks. Its a shame none of them can put some brainpower into managing the states expenses but when there are so many inflated salaries and shameful pensions to pay it must be tough. Lets ALL show up for the public hearings!

HAHAHA! Keep driving your cars suckers!

#1 The majority of people in this state keep voting in the morons who do this to us instead people who might fiscally and without corruption clean up this mess. Corruption and waste is why we are in it in the first place.

#2 The big dig goes in every direction, so bag the tolls all together and increase the gas tax to make it fair.

#3 Voting no on question 1 one keeps everyone from getting serious about cutting anything in this state. They still have the money coming in. Fat and happy

I blame the idiot people of Massachusetts who keep electing Democrats! This is what they stand for, when times are tough they tax you even more. You are getting what you deserve and what you voted for Mass. Maybe next time you will vote for smaller gov't so we are not wasting more money on paying taxes so the gov't can mis-manage this even more.

Let's cut to the chase...gas prices are dropping, tunnel rates & tolls are rising, alternate routes are available, Turnpike revenues are gonna DROP BIG TIME in a recession! When the new rates go into effect in Feb./Mar., Apr./May will see the state to revert to the old rates. 'Nuff said...

governor, i wont be voting for you again. i am disappointed with your empty promises. I promise is not to vote for you again and i intend to keep this promise!!!!! bye and thanks for nothing

Parking rates hike - Jusification:
1) rates haven't gone up since 2003 (ok to double in that case!)
2) rates are cheaper than $30 in Boston (well, that is why we are taking mass transit in you Nummies!). Because it costs $30 in Boston, we can double your rate in the 'burbs.

The MBTA's justification for doubling the rate lacks logic, but that is ok; it is how the government speaks to the people all the time!

My company just moved us from Cambridge to Wilmington. No more tolls unless they put them on 495 from Worc. area. It is costing a lot of money for people, especially in central Mass, just to go to work...That's insane. We all knew this was comming, and I doubt they will ever dismantle the toll booths west of 128. If it wasn't criminal I could laugh, but the really funny thing I see here is that most of you vote election after election for one party rule. So Stop Whining, you have no right to cry, You get what you deserve if you keep putting these people back in office. Try reading the roll call votes in your Sunday paper. Dems all vote for the feel good spend money items and defeat the tax decreases or return of local aid money etc...

Here's a solution to the Mass Turnpike toll issue. GET RID OF ALL THE TOLLS AND INCREASE THE GAS TAX IN MASSACHUSETTS TODAY! Increasing the gas tax across the entire state spreads the cost out to ALL residents. Those who drive more, pay more. A simple and equitable solution. STOP the nonsense and do this today!!

Hey Otis,

Did you know that if you carpool you can get a special transponder that cost only 100 or 200 per year! Tell your friends and save money, check out masspike web site

What a concept raising tolls/taxes in the Bay State1 Some things never change. You residents keep electing the same yoyo's and guess what ?-they stick you every time. So keep electing the socialists!

This is a bad joke. Corruption, cronyism, poorly managed projects and one bloated bureaucracy after another can't keep itself running so put the burden on the people they are supposed to serve. When are we going to get some candidates to run agains these losers we keep returning to office?

Why ARE a small subset of people who benefit from the big dig forced to pay.
Most of the people who use is are not charged anything, I hope someone challenges this in court.

Why are there no tolls to go over the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges?????

Living in Medford & working in downtown Boston, this tax (toll hike) does not affect my every day life.

If the fiscal situation is such that we need the revenue, first get tens of millions from Modern Continental; several more millions from Cashman & the unions whose workers scammed the big dig; millions more from Parsons Brinckerhoff, etc. Once that is all said & done...a fair gas tax for all...even me...but let it be equitable!
NO MORE DISCOUNTS FOR CHELSEA & EAST BOSTON RESIDENTS!

I am soooo over the Mass Pike! I'm boycotting - they won't be getting any more of my money and I don't care how far out of the way I have to go.

How is Metro west paying for the Big Dig? I read that the Western Turnpike
money stays with Western Turnpike as a separate highway. Isn't the Big Dig on the MHS side? When we are looking at equity shouldn't we consider all the forms of transportation for commuting into Boston? If you are coming from the South on the commuter rail depending on your location the furthest zone is $15.50 plus $4.00 for parking a day. We all pay to commute into Boston.
If you put in a gas tax, how do you know where this money goes? At least if you pay the MBTA or the Turnpike you know the money stays with that agency for that transportation system. We all pay some of us just cry louder.

First, of all, voting Yes on Question 1 would have meant we'd be taxed another way - most likely, on real estate. So either way they're going to get their money.

Second, not all people from Eastie use the tunnels to drive into the city, we drive THROUGH the city to MetroWest. And we need the discount! I'd be fine if they raised the discount, but to pay the full amount - $13 in tolls a day, 5x a week - is disgusting!

I have no sympathy with any of you moaners. I have never had a drivers license, never driven a car and I am 56 years old.

i live in Medford, have no problem getting around.

I'm not affected much by these higher tolls, but I find it outrageous that one set of commuters has to pay, another does not. Nuts, unfair, and classic taxachusetts.

If I could sell my house and move out of this state, I would, but no one's buying.
Quick question, do the people voting for the hike in the Pike tolls actually pay the tolls... EVER? My guess is that they all get a free ride all the time. What a joke state. I hate this place.

3 North, 93 North, 93 South. Why is it that, invariably, the 800 pound gorilla gets overlooked? Share the debt. If those coming into the city on those routes don't like it, too bad. Pay your share.

We really ought to just picket the State House until this nonsense is recognized for what it is--robbery.

What would Whitey Bulger do?

You people are getting what you deserve. Until we restore a two-party system in this state the average citizen will be ignored. Just asking: why don't people, and I mean everyone, just drive thru the booths and refuse to pay. If everyone did a little civil disobedience the politicos might wake up.

Why do we need a Mass Turnpike Authority? What is so special about that road that they continue to mortgage it over and over? We are being financially raked over the coals and guess what in a few months we will not even care. It will be fine, no problem. We have become sheep. If you believe for one moment that the other tolls west of 128 are coming down and that the Authority will be eliminated and the road will be taken over by Mass Highway, better think again. They only threw that out to decrease the outrage. None of that will ever happen, I am sure of it, just watch, and also remember this next time you vote.

The suggestion to raise the gax tax by eleven cents a gallon makes so much more sense than mugging people at the tolls. This is ridiculous. $7.50 to go through the tunnels? And raising the Pike tolls from $1.25 to $2? It isn't fair to gouge just part of the state's population, and the North/South drivers get a free ride. A gas tax is the only equitable way to tackle this.

By the way, I live in Boston and don't fly from Logan that often. But unfair is unfair.

People of Taxachusetts Beware:
This was one of the reasons I moved out of Taxachusetts 20 years ago. I really don't understand why people live or work in that state anymore. Not like the jobs are paying more then anywhere else where they can afford all those taxes. It also seems everytime the state government mismanages their money there is no one blame and everyone else has to pay a heavy price. It seems the more they take the more they need. Where is all that money going? Certainly not to improving any of the other roads. It appears that Rt 93 north has been under construction for years. Who is paying for all the contruction for all that time and why doesn't it seem to ever get finished correctly? I think Mass state govemment should hire a financial expert to track spending and make it publicly known where every last publicly funded project spends every last dime as well as any taxes they collect. Then maybe some can take the blame for that mess.

Why not raise gas taxes too?? So when gas goes up to $4-5 a gallon, Mass can be the only state (even higher then Hawaii) with a price of $6 dollars a gallon. Glad to see that goverments are running real lean while everyone else suffers. Glad I that I don't live or work in that state anymore. Good luck to all of you that still live there.

You know who really wins out. The businesses on Routes 9, 20, and 30. Traffic counts on those roads will soar due to all the people shunpiking the pike. I can't wait until I move from this corrupt state, and hope my transfer to UConn goes through, since I'm done giving money to this state.

Oh God do I ever agree with Fred (see above) for all the lemmings who somehow believed the horse%^&%^ and voted against question #1 this is exactly what you deserve.
Stop whining, this is what YOU voted for, the same only worse and this is what you get.
Maybe sometime in the far far future you'll get it and stop voting the same old crooked politicians and pass some meaningful questions on the ballot.
Until then reap what YOU have sown.

1. #123 is an idiot. #421? Moron. When you went to school did you walk up hill both ways?
2. For all of you that think you are going to beat the system and take Storrow, I have news for you. Storrow is going to be under major construction over the next few years to fix the bridges and the roads.
3. The tolls must be raised so De-vil can pay for his Caddy.
4. It is only a temporary solution until they need to raise tolls again. And they will.
5. They need to do this to pay for Wilkerson's pension. Keep voting DEM!!!

Hey for all you complete morons out there that keep screeming that if question 1 had passed we would be paying a lot more for real estate taxes, YOU'VE BEEN DUPED STUPID did you forget about prop 2 1/2 they CANNOT tax you more than 2 1/2 percent of your the value of your home without your voting it so. YOU'VE BEEN STUPID to believe this nonsense in the first place so you deserve what you get, which is HIGHER TOLLS ETC.
One of these days you'l wake up and wish you had stayed in high school.

I am a Boston Taxi driver. Besides that this will hit me directly in the wallet please allow me to share the obvious problems with this plan.

A customer gets in my taxi at logan after I load their luggage. I turn on the meter and immediately begin clicking the extras button(works in increments of.25 cents) 45 clicks later the meter says 2.75 plus 11.25 in extras. 9 dollars for the tunnel and 2.25 for the Massport Ground transportation unit. In case you don not know who they are this is an entire agency within an agency that manages buses limos and taxi. If this was your first trip to Boston woldn`t you be a little
suspicious? $14.25 before I put the car in drive. The next time this traveler comes to Boston ,if they actually do, they will get on the train.
When traveling to points north from Boston drivers are allowed to charge half the return tolls. When the tolls were 2 or three dollars most drivers would make up the small difference from their tips and pay the tolls to come back to the city and go back to work. As the tolls increased more and more drivers began cutting through Chelsea and Everett to beat the toll. Imagine what this has done to air quality in Chelsea Everett and Somerville. Now think about what happens when you have a long slow moving line of mostly male drivers with money in their pockets. Prostitutes. Everett and Chelsea have been overrun by more and more street walkers as the tolls have risen. The state might as well call them and tell them to go there. We are forbidden to charge East Boston residents any portion of the tolls when traveling from downtown to east Boston as a Consequence most drivers are reluctant to take any passengers to eastie. the fare from downtown to Maverick sq. in East Boston is roughly $10.00 if we have to pay $9.00 to come back to Boston do you think any driver will take someone to East Boston? What will that do to property values in East Boston? Imagine living in a neighborhood that no one wants to go to ? I agree with everyone who said there must be a better way to share the cost of the big dig and don`t see why the burden should be placed on the backs of visitors and north shore/metro west commuters.

It's not enough that they rip us off with the tolls. Why can't you replace the batteries in the transponders? When they stop working you have to buy a brand new one for $35. Great for the landfills. Who manufactures these and gets to sell them over and over again?

The cost of the big dig pit should fall on those how use it the most. Especially not the residents of western mass who would not get any benefit from any increase in the gas tax. Where would all the new gas tax revenue go? toward the big dig debt. If twenty million new dollars was raised in new gas tax revenue should not equal share of that go toward the roads and bridges falling apart there to (ride over the turners falls bridge over the connecticut river dam near gill and you wonder where your gas tax money is really going). It is time for the residents of western mass revolt against taxation with no representation or benefit to the road and bridges in hampshire, hampden, berkshire and franklin county.

hit everyone with tolls that come into the city...from north,south,west... dont just hit the pike users. great idea in a cash strapped economy. i am sure all the borad members have free passes too. bet they don pay a dime for tolls! whata great state

There is more to East Boston than just the airport. There are people here who have invested in this neighborhood and deserve a fair chance at its success. While I enjoy the resident discount program, I don't expect my family and friends to visit if they have to pay $6 or $7 just to get home. The businesses here are at an extreme disadvantage because of the tolls, and will suffer greatly due to this increase. Would you choose to have dinner at a restaurant where you had to pay the price of an appetizer just to get home? A friend of mine is a food perveyor, and services many restaurants in East Boston. He has to drive to Eastie four or five times a week, so the cost of his doing business here will now be $16-$20 per week. His company will face similar disincentives to deliver to East Boston. This neighborhood has shown recent promise, and inspired people to invest in property and business here. The toll increase will destroy the efforts of these good people, and will completely cripple the neighborhood of East Boston.

I understand that someone has to pay for the poor management and corruption of the Big Dig. It's not fair, it's not right, but it's reality. If that burden must be carried by commuters into the city, it should be spread out to include 93 North and South.

COMPLAIN COMPLAIN COMPLAIN PEOPLE!!!! We need to rally together - the more people who bombard his office the more say WE will have. Tolls doubling? Are they insane?? The economy is tanking because the middle class isn't spending. What do they think will happen when they raise taxes? Do they think it will be good for the state? "Short term?" We've all heard THAT one before.
This is the email I sent in to our Governor's office (who I did not vote for!!!!). I also didn't vote for Kennedy or anyone else currently in office - THAT'S the change this state needs. Together we can.......drive this state into the ground!!!

Email to Governor Deval:
I am just fed up with all the bad decisions being made by our state. We ARE in a recession and for Massachusetts to keep increasing taxes and tolls instead of dealing with wasteful spending BY THE GOVERNMENT is absolutely absurd! We, the taxpayers of Massachusetts are struggling and now the toll I go through is going to DOUBLE? How am I going to get to work? I cannot afford living in this state anymore and everyone else I know feels the same way. Get rid of the wasteful spending and corrupt politicians. Dismantling the Turnpike Authority is the best decision I have heard in a long time. Toll collectors making 70k a year and stealing toll money? Retired Turnpike employees getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in "sick time" when they leave? WAKE UP - don't you see what really needs to be done? STOP TAXING US WE'RE ALL STRUGGLING AS IT IS!

the solution here is simple, but it takes a certain political courage that MA government obviously lacks:
1. cut some spending - the Pike and highway budgets are ridiculously bloated.
2. tax the people of NH - put some tolls on 93 and 95 and make them pay thier fair share. There are a lot of drivers from NH using our roads for free
3. Raise the gas tax - spread the burden to all MA citicens, and maybe force some of them off the roads and into public transportation.

Those of you who voted these idiots in are to BLAME! So if you want to complain to someone, look in the mirror. You want real CHANGE... then do something about it! You all keep voting in these stupid bleeding hearts. I don't think it will hurt their pockets too much though...

In response to
"Rather than putting all of the tax burden on the drivers from the north and west of Boston that are forced to now pay higher tolls, how about distributing the tax burden to the rest of the population that also drives? Let's distribute the tax to the rest of the driving population, perhaps through a gas tax, so a certain segment of the population is not saddled with much higher taxes."

Why should people who do not drive on those roads pay for them? I can see why you would like them to, but why should they?

Why should the residents of western mass be gas taxed further with all the new income in taxes going to the big dig pit and not a dime spent out there. #441 spreading the burden over all the drivers in mass favors the area where they spend that tax revenue increase. Western mass citizens tax dollars already go to support the mbta. If you live in western mass you know that there is no such thing as public transportation. It is not even option available to the citizens. For example there is no public transportation from springfield to boston. Just peter pan bus that charges forty dollars round trip. Nothing form North Adams to springfield, Greenfield or even Northampston. Will the tax payers of the commonwealth help pay my forty dollar bus fare?.

maybe hillary-pimp-yourself-to-obama can stage a boston tea party
way to go patrick!!

No free lunch? There is for South Shore commuters. Western suburbs get the Pike tolls; northern suburbs get the Tobin Bridge tolls. When are all you South Shore freeloaders going to pay up?

Cathy from Nahant,

You have a VERY short trip on the 439 bus to the Lynn commuter rail stop. Why aren't you using the T already?

bill ,

Did you make a typo? "East of Boston" is the Atlantic Ocean.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF EVERYONE, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVERYDAY, JUST BOYCOTTED THE WHOLE THING WITH A NICE, PEACEFUL REVOLT LIKE JUST DRIVING ON THROUGH THE FASTLANE BOOTHS? WHO WOULD NOTICE?

someone help me because i don't know the situation about NH and sales tax. When I see someone driving around town with NH plates, and a NH dealership logo I presume they bought the car in NH. So if they bought the car in NH, does that mean that they dont pay the tax that I paid for my car which goes to the state. And the exsize tax I pay every year to my town as the car has to be registered in NH? So, if that is so, how much money would the state save be able to use for our roads if those people buying out of state cars had to pay what MA people pay? If they are fudging the system, why cant we go after them? Every dollar helps. And yes, put up that NH toll!

Tolls in NYC are $5-10 for bridges. There should be tolls from the south shore into Boston and there should be a surcharge for driving into an already overburdened Boston infrastructure. Quit your whining you bunch of babies. Brew some coffee at home instead of buying overpriced filtered water from DD or Starbucks. Take the "T" you bunch of entitled whiners. BOO HOO!

Mass Turnpike Authority = the biggest collection of scumbag theives ever assembled. A joke. We are the laughingstock of the nation with a feel-good but do-nothing governor, a mayor that can't speak, a state legislature that's run by criminals and molestors. I can't take it anymore. I'm seriously considering moving. This state is a sewer, the anus of America, a steaming turd.

This is TOTALLY unfair. Meanwhile people out in Western Mass have the same low tolls. THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY!!!!!!

I'm starting a website that will give people shortcuts around the tolls.
When the residents of Weston, Newton, Allston, etc., notice the huge increase in traffic, maybe that would help.

beatthepike.com

Anyone who works for someone, lives on a fixed income. To ask the commuters from the west and the North Shore juggle their already tight budgets, is ludicrious. You can only squeeze so much out of a penny!!

The politicians who decided this was a good plan, should take a pay decrease and put that salary adjustment towards the payment of the Big Dig debt.

Let them earn what the average middle-class employee earns. Then perhaps they will know how it feels to live on a fixed income.

Higher parking tickets, higher tolls, expensive stores and resturaunts....and the mayor wants us to go to Boston to christmas shop. Ya right, New Hampshire, here I come.

Let this be a lesson to all you who vote in favor of toll roads. The tolls NEVER go away or go down.

Tolls are an inefficient way to collect money. They are environmentally unsound as they cause cars to have to brake and to idle. They waste people's time. They push commuters onto secondary roads. They unfairly target some roadway users and not others. A gas tax would do none of these things. Am I missing something, or is this sheer madness?

Just stop driving then. I think it's a great plan to help people get on the commuter rails or move closer to where you work.

Its totally ridiculous and uncalled for charging your best customers, Taxi's & Livery cars more than a passenger car.If anything you should lower the cost or free with passengers to & from west to east..Every morning see how many cabs ride down Meridian Street to go through the produce market in Chelsea to catch Rt.99 B'way back into Boston,isn't that what Massport was trying to do?? Keep Airport traffic off Local Streets The Tolls defeat the purpose..MassPike Officials & Massport should come up with something better.

The Big Dig has to be paid for somehow. And there lies the lesson.

The BD was originally supposed to come in at $2B... oops. Newton has a $200M high school in the works that was supposed to cost half that. Other towns have experienced the same thing. Do we have any reason to believe the estimate for bringing all the bridges up to code is anywhere close to being accurate?

No one ever wants to talk options. Did Boston really have to place the new road right smack dab over and/or under the existing one? There was an opportunity for added redundancy wasted. It's cool allright, but was it smart? I know the upper crust in Concord would have thrown a fir at the placement of a regional airport near them, but might that have been better than further loading Logan?

I live close to 93 and use it quite a bit, but I have to admit that the right thing to do is put a toll on it. Yes, people will use secondary roads for a while, but they'll soon tire of the 3 hour commutes.

The real point is to say no to these inane projects.

Javier Sandusky ,

How the heck to you get to Lynn from Brighton using the Pike? Lynn has no highway access, none.

Don't forget Weld, Cellucci, Romney, and Swift when you're assessing blame. It was under their watch (or actually lack of watch) that the biggest public works fiasco in the history of the country happen.

DISTRIBUTE THE BURDEN,GOVERNOR PATRICK, OR BE READY TO FEEL THE ANGER OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH!

I travelled the pike daily from exit #2 to #4 or( #7) daily for over 11 eleven yrs . The pike "repaired" the same bridges every 2 yrs and repaved perfectly fine stretches of highway, miles of it, because it must have been "in the plan for that yr" . Some of the bridges were ones OVER the turnpike which were little used country roads . How could they possible need repair again in 2 yrs.??? Conversely , I travelled I-91 through Springfield from CT to Greenfield and NEVER or at least RARELY saw any road repairs , yet that Interstate was in excellent condition. The Maspike is self serving and needs to be dismantled and run by Mass Highway as itn was supposed to be

You people almost have the lawn-and-leaf people beat in your kvetching.

Unless you are a salesperson or attorney who needs your car to get from job to job (or courthouse to courthouse) - get over it, and use the T.

I miss the great Governor Mitt Romney, who would never let this sort of thing to happen, and Im a Independent.
Thanks in advance.

WRoxbury_Viewer1 says:
"Why should people who do not drive on those roads pay for them? I can see why you would like them to, but why should they?"

This is one of the most ignorant statements I've read here yet. Contrary to what you've evidently decided, the main beneficiaries of the big dig are not the people who drive on these roads (honestly, I could care less whether I commute to work on an overground or underground highway), but rather the residents of downtown Boston who now have a more "aesthetically pleasing" city to walk around in. Well, that was the plan anyway... too bad there's no money left to do anything with all of the reclaimed space. I'd assume from your name that you live in West Roxbury, so I'm not sure what makes you think you're entitled to an opinion on this issue anyway.

"reindeergirl":

You've imparted a number of obnoxious opinions here, so now Santa has a few words of wisdom for you:

First, taking the T is not an option for everyone. I'd love nothing more than to take a train to work, but I live in Revere and work in Nahant. How am I going to do this using the T? And furthermore, how am I going to make this commute even by car without paying $100-$200/month in tolls? I guess people in my situation are just "collateral damage" with respect to this reckless plan.

Secondly, there are quite a few people who live "east of Boston". Look at a map. These are the people who are really being hurt by this plan. Please don't add insult to injury by claiming that you were never even aware that these people even exist.

Install toll booths on routes 93 & 95, pass Casino gaming, allow Mass Lottery-sponsored poker machines in bars, and review other areas where reasonable user fees could be assessed. No extra taxes or tolls necessary.
Get rid of the hacks who run these "authorities", and replace them with professionals who know how to run things, wihtout commissioning phony "studies", or declaring false emergencies, in order to bypass the bid process, and award lucrative contracts out to the "politically - annointed". Get rid of the thieves, and those who appoint them !

This is Taxation Without Representation. Time to throw some more tea into the harbor fellow citizens!

Oops.. I meant to say live in "Revere and work in Nonantum".

You people are more upset about this than the lawn-and-leaf people of the other day.
Take the T - unless you are a salesperson or an attorney.
Dave Rensberger:
Take the Blue Line to Wonderland. Take the 441 to Central Square and walk the 1/2 mile to Nahant OR take the 439 bus to Nahant from Central Square. The 439 runs as far out as Bass Point. You can attach your bike to the buses; you can take you bike on the Blue Line. Nahant is not out in the boonies, and it is **very** accessible from Revere.

On November 4, the citizens of the Commonwealth had an opportunity to send a message to those on Beacon Hill that it's time to conduct act fiscally responsible like the rest of us the REAL world have to. Translation: the solution is not to increase taxes along with spending, but to decrease spending and live within your means. The citizens chose not to send that message. Enjoy the results - you reap what you sow.

I guess I just don't understand why anybody would want to raise the gas tax to cover the expense of the tunnels in Boston. So those who live in western MA, outside the 495 belt and never enter the greater Boston area should shoulder the burden of those of you who honestly believe that you must take your car everywhere? Take the commuter rail, take the T, take the bus (god forbid), carpool (then the hike won't seem so bad), rideshare, etc. I live in the DC area now (close to the worst traffic in the country) and there are some many programs here for leaving your car at home and ridesharing its amazing, including ones that will guarantee you a ride home if you need to leave early or have unexpeted overtime! C'mon MA get on the ball!
I do however agree with tolls southbound on both 3 and 93 north of the city, why should those from NH, who are taking jobs from citizens of MA not share the burden of uokeep of the rods they are using???

Dear Dave,

My question was about the use of a gas tax for all MA residents, rather than using tolls, to pay for the Big Dig . Why should people in western MA, the cape, etc. be taxed for roads they don't use? W. Roxbury residents do actually use the tunnels or the pike if they need to, and we even go in town & walk around on the new greenway, although that's not the point.

No need to call anyone ignorant, and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

I checked the map too, and east of Boston I see the ocean - way east of Boston I see Europe, but I don't think most Europeans are interested.

How about our great leader? Bob DeLeo? What has he EVER done for his constituents? The next speaker? We have the highest tolls, highest water rates, and his power has done NOTHING for the Shore Drive Project!

He is the biggest kiss ass! Goes along to get along! Remember ALL those people that had signs in their yards for his past unopposed re-election. Don't do business with them! Oh, by-the-way, I wrote in "Mickey Mouse" for my write-in against him!

Dave,

Take the Blue Line to Gov't Center; grab the D line, then walk.

The reason tolls are being raised instead of the gas tax involves the fact that tolls only hurt 10% of the population, but the gas tax would affect everyone, even if it only needed to be raised 10 cents per gallon. Hence, in a democracy, most politicians who want to get re-elected choose to raise a toll that will only cost them 10% of their votes, instead of a gas tax that Republicans would exploit in their advertising to defeat the associated politician. Very few politicians are principled enough to avoid this type of reasoning. Michael Dukakis chose to raise broad-based taxes, and look what happened to him. Deval Patrick is one of the typical politicians who just cares about having a high overall approval rating instead of what is fair or right. The same principle is why nearly all towns don't provide snow plowing or road maintenance inside condo developments and most towns don't provide trash removal inside condo developments. They don't care if 10% of their town's population needs to pay $1000 extra per year for these services in their condo fees, as long as it saves 90% of their town's population an amount that yields everybody a property tax rate that is 1% lower than otherwise.

WRoxbury_Viewer1:

There are plenty of people living northeast of Boston (I'm sure that was what the person who called themselves "East of Boston" meant). Your response proves the point I was trying to make exactly: People in West Roxbury _occasionally_ need to use the tunnel, in which case a $7 toll is tolerable. There are others who have little choice but to use it every day. Everyone in the region benefits from having a transportation system that helps make the economy work. I don't personally benefit that much from the MBTA, since it doesn't really work for my current commute, but I don't resent the fact that my tax dollars help fund it. Don't be think about things in such selfish terms. We don't live under a feudal system anymore.

reindeergirl:
You must be kidding! You're suggesting that I take a 50 minute T commute out to Newton on the Blue Line->D-Line, then walk 3 1/2 miles to Nonantum? I wouldn't mind the exercise, but I value my time a little bit too much to spend 4 hours of every day commuting.

Governor Patrick is a Milton resident, therefore tolls don't affect him for two reasons:

1) as a South Shore resident, he is un-tolled

and

2) as a streetcar-suburb resident, he can take the streetcar to Ashmont, then take the Red Line to Downtown Corssing and walk, or switch to the Green Line to Park Street.

Seems to me that now, with gas prices falling below $2.00, would be the time to increase the gas tax. After paying $4/gallon for so long, it wouldn't hurt as much and would spread the burden equally across more drivers rather than targeting those from the West and North Shore.

It is about time the tolls are raised. The taxpayers who don't drive are tired of footing the cost of the Big Dig and incessant structural repairs for the Turnpike and unbelievable union demands of state employees and contractors.
People who live in the city, and the elderly, don't use the toll roads and shouldn't be paying as much for them.

You all deserve it , you couldn't vote yes on question 1 ,what did you think the vermin where going to do? I feel bad for me and the 30% that voted yes on question1. the rest of you deserve all the taxes and tolls andf stealing and pay raises and pension boosts that the scum can throw at you . Also you keep voting in democrats who are really communists who act like their doing it for the poor and the school children ,wake up and smell the coffee their only taking care of themselves and special interests they take bribes from .

the math is simple 1,000,000 voters + a no vote on there re-election dreams equals politicians who do what we the people want... we need a tea party only this time we toss beacon hill into the harbor... deval patrick hired 2,000 new employees why not cut those jobs instead of raise tolls, we didnt need them before why now!!! trim fat not muscle, fire the 7 law firms we have to over see our state government!!! don't we already have lawyers on the payroll...wtf..people its time we take our state back!!! more police more fire more infrastructure better schools...less state employees sitting in there trucks drinking coffe all day, no more double pensions for government employees no m ore waste!!!!

I commute to work in Lynn from the South Shore 6 days a week. My choices are to avoid the Ted Tunnel and add at least 30-45 minutes to my daily drive or pay the toll increases.
Waste an additional 234 hours per year or spend $2184?
Some choice. Like choosing between a sharp stick in the left eye or the right !!!!!

Dave,

I wasn't being selfish - I don't drive enough to care one way or another about the gas tax for myself. I was just pointing out that people who do drive alot have a reasonable argument against a gas tax to pay for roads they don't use.

And people do in fact take the T further than you would have to. You could move closer to work or get a job closer to home.

"why should those from NH, who are taking jobs from citizens of MA not share the burden of uokeep of the rods they are using???"

Simple, because we don't use your rods. We have our own.

"why should those from NH, who are taking jobs from citizens of MA not share the burden of uokeep of the rods they are using???"

Simple, because we don't use your rods. We have our own.

A better forum to protest the toll hikes is the public hearings. I called the Governor's office at (617) 725-1100, lodged my protest, and suggested that the hearings be webcast so that more of the working public could become involved.

I commute from Cambridge to Norwood daily... I pay $1 to get on the Pike in Cambridge, another $1 to go from the Pike to 128/95S. That's $2 each way, $4 per day round trip... $20 per week... $80 per MONTH!

This hike will add another $1/day to my costs. That brings my total cost for just tolls up to $100 per month.

Currently I *could* use Exit 16 off the Pike West to bypass the $1 at 128/95, but having lived in that area I know personally how much it aggravated me to have "thru traffic" passing down our smaller streets and clogging up the roads at rush hour, so I intentionally do NOT go that route.

Maybe now that they're hiking my daily toll cost by 25% I'll start using those secondary roads, of course that will only really hurt the people in those areas which the pols have already slapped in the face with toll increases...

i just love some of the solutions people are proposing on this site....so the solution to the government hiking the toll rates, is to construct more tollbooths, on the southeast expressway and on interstate 93? Great idea....this is what you get for electing democrats every year with job security for life. When is the last time there were layoffs in the state house? Let's give them some pink slips and see how they like it. No chance, instead you've just re elected them all. Great work. I'm sure they will find more ways to spend every dollar and raise them again after the next election cycle has passed.

I live in East Boston and currently benefit from the resident discount. I am hearing rumors this will be discontinued, has anyone else heard the same? If so, I'll be forced to take side roads to and from work, which will increase my gas bill and commuting time. I’m fortunate in the fact that I have a northbound commute and can take 16. Many others will be complete hosed if this is true.

Regardless of this, the increase is insane! I own a small rental property that I live in and I can guarantee when I'm looking to rent one of my apartments, I will have a lot more difficulty. I should just kiss any equity good bye because my property value will tank. Any business/property owner in East Boston should be outraged. This will do nothing but increase the isolation to this part of the city and completely stagnate any growth in the area.

I also echo the concerns of those who take Cabs to and from downtown. It will now be completely impossible. All those late night food service workers who miss the late train, good luck getting home.

Time to make our voices heard. This hasn’t passed yet.

Reindeergirl, I'd like to know where you live. Perhaps you should try living in Beverly or Topsfield and working at the Boston Medical Center. I'm sure you know what it feels like to take a bus at 6 in the morning, change 3 trains, take another bus and get to work 2 hours later- oh get to work late. I'm also sure you'd recommend somebody leave their whole family and clan behind and come rent a 1500 dollar studio in some corner of Jamaica Plains which will also soon go to 1800. Or maybe you'll suggest some new routes where buses arrive only once and hour and after 7 at night maybe once in 2 hours. Or you might suggest "get another job". Easy for you to say while you dine at fancy clubs and someone needs to put food on the table or hand out some medicine. I would not be sure of your job anyways.

Anyways, thank God my commute is not as bad as the hypothetical one above - and I take the T for 1 hr. 15 mins one way everyday. But what do you know? At least I'm going to stand up for all these other friends of mine, while you and the high and mighty moralizing leaders you've elected try to boss us all around. But one day, you're going to get it too...Good bye...I won't be checking this blog again. So don't waste your energy.

Instead of hiking up the tolls, why not look into outrageous spending by the government. I'm sorry, but I saw a government Audi A6 and that's what made me vote for the income tax to be elimintated. Who ever decided that the tolls were going to be used to cover the big dig's issues needs to be fired. What are they truly doing with all the money they get now?

As for the people saying they don't use the roads, so why should they pay?..What about new schools, parks, roads, highways, and other state funded things that the people who commute into boston have to pay for and don't EVER use?

when are the public hearings on the toll hike? it's time for us to show up and be heard. i voted against every incumbent and for the income tax repeal to try to bring about acountability in our state government. D. Patrick has been a huge letdown as a Massachusetts governor. he is busy planning his move to washington from his estate in the Berkshires. The corruption in our state legislature and the unfair distribution of the costs of the Big Dig are not matters that he cares about. I too am a registered independent and miss Mitt. We need another governor with values who has the courage to take bold and swift action.

It is amazing to me that only a handful of communities had to pay and continue to pay for the clean up of Boston Harbor even though many have enjoyed the results. And now the whole state is expected to pay for the big dig???
I would like an explanation of the inequity.

Why they do not cut the mass pike police number to save some money? They are useless.

I think i will have to move out of my place, since i run a business at home, and my students come to east boston. They won't pay extra 8:50 to tolls. I can't believe that there isn't another option then increase it this much.... Gas tax seems the most logical to me. Or tolls for people coming from south shore

Exiting Logan Airport... This that is a big scam... The highway officials intentionally make it confusing by not warning of upcoming toll roads heading toward 93 North... If you make a wrong turn, you will be forced to pay tolls... We have a crooked administration. It is a money making trap... There are ways to avoid the tolls if you look online... This is the Pike Officials make up for revenue for a blown big dig budget... The big dig ended up costing 6 times the original estimate...