In the Telegram & Gazette | October 4, 2008

By John J. Monahan

Gov. Deval L. Patrick is promising that toll-payer relief will be part of his proposed state takeover of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, but Wall Street may have another idea.

Moody’s Investment Service has lowered the Turnpike Authority’s bond rating from A3 to Baa2, just above junk bond status, saying that a series of financial problems is undermining confidence in the authority’s ability to keep up with ballooning payments for the $2.3 billion Big Dig debt and other rising costs.

Although the Turnpike Authority raised tolls by 25 percent in January, Moody’s complained this week about “continued delayed decision-making on toll increases” and a potential decline in traffic and toll revenues from the slowing economy.

In response, Turnpike officials said they expect to take up proposals for a new toll increase at a meeting later this month.

The governor, who pledged during his campaign two years ago to address toll inequity issues, did not elaborate on how he would bring toll relief as part of a merger of the Turnpike Authority with other state transportation agencies.

When asked, he gave a one-word answer that, “yes,” that would be part of his plan.

State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, R-Shrewsbury, said the governor’s decision to “dismantle” the Turnpike Authority “is a good thing for commuters, toll payers, taxpayers and anyone else interested in the quality of our state’s transportation system.”

She said she wants the administration to ensure that any savings realized from the merger are used to prevent a new toll hike.

The issue is also becoming a hot topic in races for the state Legislature. Danielle W. Gregoire of Marlboro, a Democratic candidate for 4th Middlesex District state representative, also insisted that any merger plan for the turnpike include toll relief for “overtaxed Metrowest commuters.”

“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 that discount in place,” Ms. Gregoire said. Elimination of the discount would hit commuters for an additional $18 million annually, she said.

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