For DUers who haven't lived somewhere with toll roads, technologies have advanced

[Agschmid]

143. Mass to go all electronic by 2016...

As the state Department of Transportation gears up to begin implementing all-electronic tolling on the Massachusetts Turnpike and at the Tobin Bridge and Boston Harbor tunnels, two local leaders have mixed views on the project, the Milford Daily News reported.

"Positively, the electronic tolling will help promote efficiencies and safety and hopefully ease some of the traffic congestion," said state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland.

But Spilka said she also worries it is a sign tolls are here for the long-term on the Pike, something that is concerning especially if tolls are not added to other major roads.

The state Department of Transportation plans to have its first all-electronic tolling system operating on the Tobin Bridge later this year through a $2.47 million project, agency spokesman Michael Verseckes said in an email.

"There will be a period of testing the system to ensure it properly functions before the existing tolling equipment and booths are removed and demolished," Verseckes said.

MassDOT will then convert the Turnpike and harbor tunnels. Those systems are expected to be effective by the summer of 2016.

The equipment and 10 years of maintenance are expected to cost about $120 million. MassDOT also faces a monthly charge totaling an estimated $258 million over 10 years.

"Aside from the estimated cost of converting to the all-electronic system, maintenance of the system and back office operations, MassDOT is expecting to save $50 million annually by eliminating its current cash collection expenses such as payroll and associated benefits, toll plaza facility utilities and upkeep, equipment maintenance and replacement, and toll collection software upgrades," Verseckes said.

The electronic tolling gantries will be installed along the main highway as opposed to exits. The system will read E-ZPass transponders. If a car does not have a transponder, its license plate will be recorded and the person to whom the car is registered will receive a bill in the mail.

http://m.wcvb.com/news/state-gears-up-to-go-allelectronic-on-tolls/25691568