State Lawmaker Proposes Toll For I-93 HOV Lane
BOSTON (CBS) - A state lawmaker is hoping to raise millions of dollars for the state by adding a toll to the HOV lane on I-93.
Norfolk Representative Dan Winslow will propose the idea of a High Occupancy Toll, or HOT lane during this week's budget debate.
Drivers who have a fast lane pass would be able to pay the toll and use the HOV lane even if there is just one person in the car.
"As I come up from the Braintree split, as I look at that sea of red tail lights in front of me, I can make a decision. Do I want to take an hour-and-a-half to get to Boston or do I want to pay $5 and take 15 minutes to get into Boston," Winslow told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
In order to keep the HOV lane from getting congested, Winslow says the price of the toll would change depending upon the traffic and the time of day.
If the idea received approval, the Federal Highway Department would still have to okay it.
Winslow says the proposal could raise $16 million each year and the proposed revenue could be used to help offset commuter rail costs, which in turn, he said, would help reduce congestion on the highway.
