North Shore legislators oppose toll hikes
By Cathryn Keefe O’Hare/Danvers Herald
Wed Nov 26, 2008, 07:11 AM EST
Danvers - The North Shore Legislative Caucus met Monday seeking alternatives to the proposed doubling of the harbor tunnel tolls, to $7, and the proposed $.75 cent increase for the Allston and Weston tolls on the Turnpike, to $2.
Most Danvers residents won’t be affected by these increases except on occasion, said Rep. Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers).
“But, it’s only the beginning,” he said Tuesday. “If they get this, they’re not going to stop.”
The plan includes giving management authority over the tunnels and eastern part of the pike to the Massachusetts Port Authority, which also manages the Tobin Bridge. The toll on the bridge is $3 now.
“If it gets to the point of $6 or $7 over the Tobin Bridge, that’s a pretty hefty price to pay,” said Speliotis. “The Big Dig benefited the people on the South Shore more than us (North Shore residents). For them to get a free ride is just blatantly wrong.”
Sen. Fred Berry also opposes the toll hikes.
“I have been around long enough to see a lot of administrations try to tackle the costs of our transportation infrastructure. It is disappointing that this administration too took the easy route out and chose to go after the low lying fruit instead of stepping up to truly lead,” he said.
The increases at the tunnels would cost drivers $7, up from $3.50. Turnpike drivers would pay $2 at the Exit 19 in Allston and Exit 15 in Weston, up from $1.75, under a plan forwarded by Gov. Deval Patrick to raise $100 million now and help the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority retire $2.2 billion in debt from the Big Dig.
The governor also proposed turning over the western part of the turnpike to the Massachusetts Highway Department and the eastern end to the Massachusetts Port Authority. Debt from the Big Dig would be transferred to the Port Authority, Speliotis said.
Within 18 months the governor hopes to eliminate all tolls on the western section of the pike.
Although others have proposed a gas tax as a more equitable solution to the Turnpike Authority’s debt, Speliotis isn’t ready to do that yet. He and Sen. Berry have co-sponsored, along with many North Shore legislators, a bill to freeze the tolls through next year.
Sen. Berry said in a written statement:
“It is my position that a comprehensive transportation reform package must be considered before rushing to double the price of tolls for North Shore commuters. For too long, those traveling into Boston from these communities have paid for more than their share of the costs associated with the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“I have signed on as a cosponsor to a bill filed by Representative Steven Walsh that would freeze toll increases until a comprehensive transportation reform package is passed.
“I plan to work cooperatively with his colleagues, the Senate President, Speaker of the House and Governor to examine the reforms and cost saving proposals outlined by the Blue Ribbon Transportation Finance Commission and the Toll Equity Commission before considering raising the gas tax or increasing tolls.”
A hearing on the proposed toll increases will be held in Lynn, at Lynn City Hall, on Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Scheduled hearing dates
Boston Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 State Transportation Building 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02116 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lynn Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 Lynn City Hall 3 City Hall Square Lynn, MA 01901 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Framingham Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 Framingham Memorial Building Nevins Hall 150 Concord Street Framingham, MA 01702 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Worcester Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 Worcester City Hall 455 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
