Briefing: Mass Pike Initiatives
The Executive Office of Transportation and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority recently announced a series of initiatives to alleviate toll booth congestion during high-traffic periods and to improve public safety and overall customer service on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Why now?
This announcement came in response to a directive from Gov. Deval Patrick, who said he was upset by reports of more than one-hour-waits at some Massachusetts Turnpike toll booths on Easter. When a number of toll collectors called in sick, some toll collection locations were limited to a single cash booth, inhibiting both commuters willing to pay in cash and Fast Lane users who could not access the electronic lanes due to the immense backup.
What will change?
A new staffing plan, which will be implemented during holiday weekends, will eliminate the practice of not using overtime to fill vacant shifts when toll collectors call in sick. Also, during situations of unusual and/or lengthy delays, the “wave through” policy, which was previously used only for public safety situations, will be activated.
What can Central Massachusetts drivers expect?
The Massachusetts Turnpike board, at the urging of Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, recently approved a proposal to eliminate the 50-cent-per-month fee for Fast Lane transponders, which makes them free for all customers. Elimination of the monthly charge, which was scheduled to become effective on July 1, will cost the Turnpike Authority an estimated $6 million in the short-term but is expected to lead to long-term savings and improved traffic flow. Currently, the Turnpike uses more than 1.1 million transponders associated with 756,366 accounts.
How do you get Fast Lane transponders?
Transponders are currently available at eight RMV locations or through online or phone orders, but there are plans to expand that availability to seven additional RMV locations, as well as five, local Herb Chambers Dealerships.
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