Group lays out potential means for turnpike toll equity

The Associated Press

3/18/2008

BOSTON — A task force is recommending several possible ways of making turnpike tolls more equitable, including the reinstatement of tolls in western Massachusetts and Exit 16 in Newton.

The study group is also suggesting that tolls could be added to the HOV lanes on Interstate 93 and the South Boston haul road.

Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen stressed Tuesday that the Turnpike Authority is not ready to implement any of the options at the moment. He also said system-wide reforms of the state's transportation system would come before any toll increases.

Many turnpike users — including residents of the MetroWest area — complain that they are paying a disproportionate share of the cost for Boston's nearly $15 billion Central Artery project, while I-93 drivers are entering the city for free from the north and south.