Dec 10, 2008 10:46 pm US/Eastern
Angry Drivers Fight Bay State Tolls
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Bay State drivers made a strong statement Wednesday night over raising the tolls to pay for the Big Dig.
The room was packed Wednesday night with taxi drivers, town councilors, business owners, and even lawmakers telling members of the Turnpike Authority that they strongly
protest toll hikes.
Every speaker was given two minutes to voice their concerns about the proposal that would raise the Brighton/Allston tolls by 75 cents and would more than double the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels from $3.50 to $7.
State Rep. Carlo Basile, who sits on the State Transportation Committee, said the toll increase is absolutely ridiculous and unfair.
Michael Kelleher was so angry about the hikes that he started a Web site,
Stopthepikehike.org. So far thousands have visited his site and pledged their support.
There will be a total ofÂ
four public hearings for drivers to vent at. At Wednesday night's hearing, opponents went from being mildly upset to some pledging to block the tunnels in protest should the toll hikes go up.
When the hearings are finished in early January, it will come down to a vote.
Some argue a
gas tax would be cheaper overall and more equitable.
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