A proposal in the new state budget to curb congestion along the Massachusetts Turnpike by offering discounted toll prices for off-peak hours has earned the ire of some drivers.
People driving during peak travel times would pay more in tolls and those traveling outside of rush hour would get discounts.
Commuters have expressed concern that the proposal is penalizing people for going to work.
The Boston Herald reports the new MassDOT pilot program legislation that's proposed in the current version of the state budget is not winning support from commuters who have no control over their schedule and must travel at rush hour.
Officials hope the plan could ease congestion, but some question whether the plan will achieve that.
Governor Charlie Baker said Thursday that he would only support the plan if it decreases traffic.
Thank you @SenBruceTarr, @joeboncore, several other Senate co-sponsors, and Senate Leadership for the adoption of an amendment to the @MA_Senate FY19 budget to bring a "smarter tolling" pilot program to Massachusetts. More information here: https://t.co/ehNWbMp9QY #mapoli pic.twitter.com/rPh8duJOzc
— Transportation for MA (@T4MASS) June 7, 2018
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