Mass. Tolls to Increase if Fuel Tax Isn’t Raised

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority approved toll increases Tuesday, but promised that motorists will avoid the increases if the state legislature increases the fuel tax, the Boston Globe reported.

The first of two planned increases will take effect March 29, and will bring cash tolls at the Allston-Brighton and Weston tolls to $1.50, while cash tolls at the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels will be $5.50, the Globe said.

On July 1, the Allston-Brighton and Weston cash tolls will be $2, while the tunnel tolls will be $7. Users of the Fast Lane electronic payment system would receive discounts, the Globe said.

But if the legislature raises the state fuel tax before the tolls take effect, the turnpike authority has promised to repeal the toll increases, the Globe said.

The toll increases are expected to raise $12.8 million to close the turnpike authority's $8.1 million budget gap.