BOSTON — Transit advocates are renewing a push for congestion pricing along the state’s toll roads with new polling data suggesting support for the move among voters.
A MassINC poll released this week found that voters are getting squeezed by a double whammy of housing costs and transportation issues that have some considering leaving the state. Majorities of those polled said they are getting squeezed by both housing – 71% – and transportation costs at 57% with a shocking 38% saying they will move out of state, according to the poll.
But pollsters said 50% of those who responded to the survey want the state to study initiatives such as congestion pricing, where tolls are lowered during off-peak times and raised during rush hour to encourage drivers to use public transportation.
Transit advocates jumped on the poll’s findings to argue that voters want the state to revisit congestion tolling in the greater Boston region to reduce traffic congestion and tailpipe pollution.
“With a dire budget shortfall when it comes to transportation, we need a mix of solutions and funding sources to ensure our system works for everyone – and isn’t a crushing financial burden for people across our state,” said Reggie Ramos, executive director of Transportation for Massachusetts.
“Congestion pricing should definitely be on the table as one of those solutions we need to explore,” he said.
Massachusetts has a backlog of maintenance on roads and bridges estimated at $50 billion — a figure compounded by a decline in federal highway dollars.
Currently, the state only charges drivers on the Tobin Bridge, at two tunnels beneath Boston Harbor and along the Massachusetts Turnpike, which converted to all electronic-tolling several years ago.
Beacon Hill leaders have resisted adding more toll roads to the mix, or increasing fees, fearing public backlash over the pocketbook impact on constituents.
Congestion pricing has also been controversial in other states, including New York, where Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul recently put the brakes on a “first-in-the-nation” plan that called for charging motorists an extra $15 to drive into New York City.
Backers of the plan, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, argued the move would reduce traffic, congestion and tailpipe pollution while raising billions of dollars to support the city’s public transit system.
But the plan was facing several legal challenges, including one by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who called the new toll charges a “cash grab” that would hurt New Jersey commuters.
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com
