All electronic toll booths could mean 300 layoffs

If the Greater Springfield area residents are a barometer to gauge the re-installation of tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike, then it appears public opinion is against the $1.20 toll from Lee to West Springfield.

Meanwhile, Gov. Deval L. Patrick is moving forward on a $250 million plan to demolish toll plazas, eliminate toll collectors positions and install all-electronic tolling on the turnpike by 2017.

This plan puts many toll workers out of work, brings into play a scan device for those with E-Z pass and raises questions of privacy for those other drivers, who would have their license plates photographed and billed for the toll-at a higher rate-to their homes.

Transportation officials are quoted as saying that 70% of users have the transponder.

Yet there have been issues of when the Turnpike bills one’s account, there is a surcharge of $250.00, according to a WCVB-TV consumer report a few years ago.

Also, where is a motorist to get information on directions, comfort stations, etc. if not from the toll collector?

Sara Lavoie, spokesperson for Mass Highway told the Beacon Tuesday; “We respect the opinions from the public; however, we will be proceeding with the implementation of All Electronic Tolling.

“There are approximately 400 toll collectors on staff at this time.

“The thought is that 100 will be retained to manage and perform functions of the new system.

“Some collectors may pursue training opportunities available to them or pursue other positions within MassDOT, while others may opt to retire.”

After 17 toll-free years (Gov. William Weld cancelled tolls in an effort to build the Big Dig) on the western end of the Turnpike, drivers of passenger vehicles will now pay tolls between Exits 1 (West Stockbridge) and 6 (Springfield) beginning Oct. 15.

Cynthia M. Roy-Gonzalez, director of communications for the state Department of Transportation, told the Springfield Republican that the tolls would cost the same as when they were removed in 1996.

Ms. Roy-Gonzalez is quoted as saying no amount of public opposition will stop the tolls from coming back.

A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at Lee High School. The session will offer opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns about the re-instatement of the tolls along with other issues, according to Roy-Gonzalez.

Residents from Berkshire County are expected to raise similar arguments on both fronts of implementation of tolls and the proposed scan procedure.

State legislators in July gave final approval to a transportation financing law that ordered the restoration of passenger-vehicle tolls between Exits 1 and 6.

Ms. Roy-Gonzalez said that all-electronic tolling is being installed for a number of reasons, including saving money over the long term, taking cash out of the system and easing the commute.

The plan, detailed in a 55-page report by the transportation department, calls for installation of overhead structures equipped with technology to detect E-Z Pass transponders.

For E-Z Pass holders, the system would work essentially the same, except there would be no lanes at plazas to find or navigate.

The system would be equipped with cameras to take pictures of the license plates of drivers without the transponders.

The state would send bills to “pay-by-plate” customers who would be charged a higher toll rate to cover the costs of image processing and billing.

The state plans to partially or completely demolish the 25-toll collection plazas along the turnpike. Motorists would drive at highway speeds under the electronic collection structures, which would be in 18-locations along the turnpike.

The positions of some 400-toll collectors would eventually be terminated, saving $50 million a year, said Ms. Roy-Gonzalez. She estimated all-electronic tolling would cost $250 million over 10 years to construct, operate and maintain.

Meanwhile Barbara Anderson, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation, said the state has been promising since 1988 to cease tolling when bonds are paid off on the turnpike.

“There is not supposed to be any tolls at all — electronic, cash or any other kind,” Anderson said.

She said all-electronic tolling raises concerns about the state tracking the locations of motorists.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on August 29, 2013. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry