While the decision on gantry locations was based on a 2012 study and the decision to implement AET was made in 2014, MassDOT officials have been working with the predetermined gantry locations to make sure rates at the new gantries remain “revenue neutral”, meaning that total revenue generated both on the Western Turnpike (I-90 from the NY border to Weston) and the Metropolitan Highway System will be approximately the same as with current tolls.
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The new prices come as the state shifts to an all-electronic tolling system that will end the need for drivers to stop, or even slow down, to pay tolls.
MassDOT hopes to begin the new system in October, provided that software testing doesn’t turn up any glitches.
The Globe reports that the electronic tolling system will include a “hot list” feature that is capable of sending a notification to law enforcement when a vehicle with a specific license plate or transponder passes underneath the structure.
With electronic eyes set to take the place of toll plazas, MA transportation officials have proposed a tiered payment system that strongly favors those who obtain transponders from the state.
“This is not a toll increase”.
Once the system goes live, the state will start dismantling the toll plazas, which could cause travel delays, officials said.
Officials also talked about the toll rates.
MassDOT officials insist the “hot list” feature will only be used in emergencies, such as Amber Alerts. He said out-of-state residents or frequent travelers through the state apply for an E-ZPass from New Hampshire.
A series of public meetings is scheduled before the new tolling system is voted on. The transponders, which are offered free to drivers, cost about $8 or $9 each to the state, according to MassDOT.
The rates being proposed for public review provide that the cost of driving from one end of I-90 to the other for E-ZPassMA users will drop from the current rate of $6.60 to $6.15.
We reached out to the state transportation department, which could not make anyone available Monday because of the ongoing meeting.
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Transportation officials have noted the location of the gantries – which absolve drivers in the areas of Springfield and Worcester making short turnpike trips from any tolls – were determined by the Patrick administration. In 2014, Raytheon received a $130 million contract for installation and 10 years of maintenance and TransCore received a 10-year $201 million contract for running the “back office” and seven customer service centers. Road work connected to the project is expected to last until the end of 2017.
