Published: Thursday, October 2, 2008
Updated: Thursday, October 2, 2008
Toll fares on the Massachusetts Turnpike could increase by as much as $5 if a proposal by the MTA passes.
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority discussed possible price increases in a recent board meeting, Mac Daniel, the MTA spokesman, said.
"The board requested some toll scenarios based on how much we need to generate to pay off our debts," he said. "Toll increases are the only way the turnpike generates revenue from the state for our operating budgets, because we are responsible for the Big Dig and the past bonds that were floated for it."
The proposed toll raises may cause a $1 increase at the Weston ad Allston-Brighton tollbooths and a $5 increase at the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels, a move which would generate at least $90 million more a year in revenue, according to a September Boston Globe article.
College of Fine Arts sophomore Christopher Maher, a commuter student from North Weymouth, said avoiding toll roads would add too much unwanted time to his trip.
"An extra 50 minutes of driving to save a few bucks a day isn't really worth it," he said. "I'll just skip buying my morning coffee."
College of Engineering sophomore Michael Moccia drives himself to Boston University through the Ted Williams tunnel from East Boston daily. He said he tries to balance his commute in terms of time and money.
"It's much easier and faster to travel by car, but with rising toll prices it looks like I'll be using the T more often," he said. "I can already foresee coming to class late."
Increased tolls will also place an expensive burden on cab use throughout Boston, Metro Cab general manager Stephen Sullivan said.
"Anything costing more tomorrow than it does today will hurt working people," he said.
Though some may still choose to hale a cab, taxi drivers are bound to suffer, Sullivan said.
"Tips will take a hit," he said. "The money used on the tolls will come out of the drivers' pockets."
College of Communication junior Max Emmer said he would seek more inexpensive options than taxis if tolls increase.
"Cabs have already raised initial fare surcharges due to the increased price of gas," he said. "If there are more extraneous charges in my fare, I'd be inclined to seek more affordable modes of transportation."
http://www.dailyfreepress.com/toll-hikes-loom-for-commuters-1.758356
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