Turnpike authority OKs toll hike
AP Political Writer
Published: February 24, 2009
Updated: February 24, 2009
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority’s board of directors has approved a two-stage hike in tolls that would be repealed if the Legislature approves a proposed gasoline tax increase.
The board voted 4-1 Tuesday to hike eastern Massachusetts tolls to $1.50 at the Allston-Brighton and Weston booths, and $5.50 at the Boston Harbor tunnel crossings, effective March 29.
The board also voted to raise tolls to $2 at Allston-Brighton and Weston and $7 at the tunnels, effective July 1. Those tolls currently are $1.25 and $3.50.
Both proposed increases would be rolled back if the Legislature approves Gov. Deval Patrick’s plan to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 19 cents per gallon. The governor proposed the gas tax hike as an alternative to a doubling of tolls initially approved by the turnpike board in November.
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Reader Reactions
I hope to God in these days that the gas tax will NOT go through. I hope instead that the Governor will see fit to put toll booths at the major interstate entryways of the state. Once that is done, the tolls at the bridges can be reduced and the tolls along the pike eliminated. Paying two or three dollars when entering the state—for EVERYBODY entering the state—is a lot better than putting the strain on those who don’t use the interstate system at all.
Please, Mr. patrick. do NOT push for an increase in the gas tax—the gasoline prices are already going up while the crude prices are still going DOWN. Don’t hit us again with something we can’t afford already—especially those of us on the south coast who never go near the pike or Boston. If we do go there, we’ll pay—just like everybody else.
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