Hot Take: Tolls in New England Should Charge Different Rates for Different Plates (License Plates)
This is a hot take, and I may get some hate for it. But if you know me, you know I am not afraid of any controversy or debate.
I recently got a new vehicle, which means I had to register a new EZ Pass. During the month-long period when I did not have one, I had to pay cash OR pay by plate (and get a bill later in the mail).
During that month of paying cash/paying by plate, I had an idea. What if tolls charged different prices for in vs. out-of-state drivers?
Here is what I mean. If a New Hampshire resident is driving north on Route 16, they should be charged less than a Massachusetts resident who is driving north on Route 16.
Why? Because the majority of our road repairs come from our TAXES, not our tolls.
Now, the toll fee does contribute to road repairs. However, since the majority of road repairs are coming from our taxes, why are we (in-staters) getting hit double?
It would make WAY more sense, in my opinion, if out-of-state drivers had to pay more to contribute to the road repairs in the states they are visiting, not living or being taxed in.
It may, or may not lessen the traffic headed north on 95 in the summer too, which is a complaint every New Hampshirite says at some point in the summertime.
It would be like a benefit for people staying in the state. If your taxes are already going to road repairs, the tolls are just double dipping.
SO, charge New Hampshire drivers more when they head to Boston. Charge Massachusetts drivers more when they want to head north to New Hampshire or Maine.
This is no business model proposal, just an idea that I would support.
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