Seen at the Boston Globe:
Undersecretary of Transportation Jeffrey Mullan said during a budget hearing in Revere that a toll plan was something the administration was considering as a way to close a $19 billion transportation funding shortfall. I-93 is one of the state’s main north-south arteries, running through Boston and to the New Hampshire border, and travelers currently pay no tolls for using it.
Other administration aides have denied tolls are being considered, and at mid-afternoon, Doug Rubin, Gov. Deval Patrick’s chief of staff, said the statement “was not consistent with the administration’s position.”
Rubin added: “Gov. Patrick firmly believes that we must look for reforms and efficiencies throughout our transportation system before we ask toll payers to pay more. He has been clear that adding tolls throughout I-93 is not an option the administration is prepared to consider at this point. He has directed the secretary of transportation to continue to review the system and find ways to achieve savings and efficiencies first before the administration seriously considers any revenue enhancement options.”
It’s nice to see that even in Taxachusetts, it’s known that seeking efficiency within the government is preferable to tax hikes. However, perhaps the Patrick administration would have done better to mention any thoughts of tolling I-93 (or any other interstate in the state) in the context of combating pollution, CO2 emissions, and congestion…before highlighting the revenue-generation aspects.