Contract reveals state examining congestion pricing on Mass Pike

BOSTON — A new vendor contract reveals that the state is looking at congestion pricing models on the Mass Pike.

This week, MassDOT will debut electronic tolling on the Mass Pike. The electronic tolls require drivers have EZ Pass transponders and eliminate the need to stop at the toll booths.

MassDOT has hired a consultant, which over the next three years will study traffic and revenue. According to the contract, their services may include "analyzing and investigating toll rate scenarios such as rate equity, vehicle miles traveled and congestion pricing scenarios", or higher rates during peak traffic.

FOX25 asked MassDOT about this and officials said, "MassDOT has not nor does intend to utilize congestion pricing.  MassDOTis focusing on collecting information under electronic tolling for billing purposes only. Electronic tolling prices are revenue neutral because the purpose of electronic tolling is to increase safety, relieve traffic congestion, and reduce greenhouse gasses."

Cox Media Group