Sep 18, 2008 5:34 pm US/Eastern
100 Pike Toll Workers To Be Fired
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority announced Thursday it will cut 100 toll collectors, a move that could save the cash-strapped agency $10 million per year.
Administration officials have notified the union that represents the workers that they plan to lay off 100 people within 12 to 18 months. That represents nearly one-fourth of the agency's toll collectors, who make an average of $70,000 per year.
There are currently 310 full-time toll collectors and 131 part-timers on the Turnpike's payroll.
The Turnpike Authority says it saves about 30 cents per toll transaction when drivers use Fast Lane instead of going through a toll booth with a collector.
Pike officials say toll collectors can handle 300 transactions per hour. Fastlane can handle nearly 1,300 per hour, which is why more Fastlane booths are set to be added.
Officials said they will continue to evaluate whether they need to close down the cash lanes.
Turnpike Executive Director Alan LeBovidge said the move is part of an effort to modernize its toll collecting system by eventually making it
fully automated.
"Times have changed. We have to change with the times," LeBovidge said Thursday.
The agency is trying to close a $50 million budget shortfall and pay off billions of dollars in Big Dig debt. The Turnpike has already
laid off 25 percent of its senior managers, eliminated some administrative positions and cut overtime.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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