The MetroWest Daily News reports that “MetroWest legislators slammed proposals to raise local toll rates under the state’s new All Electronic Tolling System on the Mass. Pike, advocating for more equity on roads across the state” during a September 13 public meeting. Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) specifically challenged MassDOT’s contention that the toll rate changes are revenue neutral, arguing that MetroWest residents have long paid disproportionately to use the turnpike while other major state roads are not tolled at all. Spilka told MassDOT officials hosting the meeting, “I believe the state’s roadways exist for the benefit of all our citizens, and for far too long the responsibility to pay for them has not been shared equally.”
