Bill > S2357

This bill addresses tolling regulations for Massachusetts highways by implementing several key changes. First, it prohibits increases to current toll rates on the metropolitan highway system and turnpike beyond the rates in place on January 1, 2025. The bill removes existing language that previously allowed the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to "fix and revise" toll rates, replacing it with language that limits their ability to only reduce tolls. Additionally, the bill eliminates provisions requiring tolls to be set at levels sufficient to cover operational costs, maintenance, and debt service for highway systems. Most notably, the bill mandates that MassDOT conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing all-electronic tolling on additional state and interstate highways by December 31, 2025. The study must explore various tolling options, including placing electronic toll gantries on currently untolled roads, seeking federal waivers for border tolls, pursuing interstate agreements, and examining the Commonwealth's potential to establish border tolls under potential future federal law changes. This legislation appears aimed at providing more restrictive oversight of toll rate adjustments while simultaneously exploring expanded tolling opportunities across Massachusetts' highway network.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2357