Says any Pike merger must have toll relief

Danielle Werner Gregoire, Democratic candidate for state representative from the 4th Middlesex District, today said any plan to merge the troubled Massachusetts Turnpike Authority with other state transportation agencies must contain toll relief for overtaxed MetroWest commuters.

Gregoire was reacting to today’s announced plans from the Patrick Administration to dismantle the Turnpike Authority and place its responsibilities with other state transportation agencies. Also an issue is Turnpike Executive Director Alan LeBovidge’s plans to eliminate the discount for commuters using the Fast Lane automated toll collection system, coupled with an anticipated toll increase on the Turnpike and the harbor tunnels.

“At a minimum, there must be a continuation of the Fast-Lane discount and I would not vote for a plan that does not keep this discount in place,” said Gregoire. “Eliminating the discount represents an $18 million tax increase for commuters who are already paying for the lion’s share of the Big Dig. That’s not counting the planned toll increases. I won’t support balancing the Turnpike Authority’s budget on the backs of commuters.”

LeBovidge told the Turnpike Authority Board last month suggested eliminating the discount will bring in an additional $18 million a year to the cash strapped agency.

Gregoire added, “If your goal is to increase the number of Fast Lane users in order to reduce the need for toll takers, it also makes no sense to eliminate the discount.”

The 4th Middlesex District represents Berlin, Marlborough and Precinct 1 in Southborough.