Briefing: Patrick's Transportation Plan
Gov. Deval Patrick recently announced a plan that he believes will put an end to the “Big Dig” culture while at the same time establishing a long-term and sustainable transportation base in Massachusetts. The administration also declared that this plan will support job growth and economic development in the state.
What are the basics?
Essentially, the plan represents an either-or situation. On one hand, commuters could see an increase in toll rates along the Massachusetts Turnpike and at the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels into Boston. On the other, a 19-cent increase in the gas tax would eliminate the proposed toll increases, but such a tax increase has not passed in almost two decades.
What will it cost?
The 19-cent gas tax is as straightforward as it can be, but the toll increases are another matter. If the legislature does not raise the gas tax, toll increases will affect commuters in two phases.
Phase one, which takes effect March 29, would raise cash tolls to $1.50 at the Allston-Brighton and Weston tolls and $5.50 at the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels (an increase of 25 cents at the booths inside Route 128 and $2 at the tunnels).
Phase two, which takes effect July 1, brings the cash toll totals to $2 at the booths inside Route 128 and $7 at both tunnels.
Other aspects of the plan
The plan also aims to abolish the Turnpike Authority and eliminate “23 and out,” a special perk in the MBTA pension system in which an employee gains a fully-vested pension after 23 years of service. It will also lead to a more environmentally responsible transportation system and will bring the Turnpike and MBTA employees into the state health care system.
What’s the Central Mass. angle?
As a part of this plan, control of the Worcester Regional Airport would pass from the city to the Massachusetts Port Authority, which is expected to save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, this new plan will allocate $20 million annually to Central and Western Massachusetts railway projects.
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