Tolls or tax revisted

November 23, 1:11 AMBoston Progressive Politics ExaminerNicole Rene Atchison

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There are taxpayers in Central and Western Mass who have never driven across the Zakim or driven on the connector. However, for the past fifteen years or so, much off their highway road and bridge tax dollars have been rerouted to the BigDig. Driving just a few exits outside of Metro Boston reveals roads, bridges and tunnels suffering extreme damage, neglect and cavernous potholes. The proposal to raise the Massachusetts gas tax to cover the cost of the turnpike authority's Big Dig debt is also unfair. This would continue this trend of taxation without representation on I-93.

Drivers inside 128 are the main recipients of the benefits of the mostly-completed Big Dig. We should cover the cost. Increasing the tolls inside 128 and at the Connecticut and upstate New York borders is the most equitable way to pay for this project that has been draining the state budget for almost two decades. Raising the gas tax statewide would force drivers who may never drive on I-93 to pay for the Big Dig all over again, while the roads in their communities are in need of serious repair. 

Raising the tolls inside 128, may also have a positive environmental effect. Metro Boston commuters may be encouraged to use public transportation, cutting down on emissions and saving energy.

When deciding between increased tolls or increased gas taxes, increased tolls inside 128 is the lesser of two evils.

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