For Massachusetts state lawmakers, the state’s turnpike authority is just a memory. For Gov. Deval Patrick, the agency is still on the top of his mind.
The Massachusetts legislature approved a transportation overhaul that would essentoially eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and dramatically scale back health benefits given to its employees, considered by many as some of the most lucrative in the country. That provision alone could save the state $30 million a year. It also would eliminate the Turnpike’s “23 and out” provision that allows workers to retire with a substantial pension after 23 years of service.
The deal, however, still needs the approval of Patrick, and the state leader did not have a comment when asked what he thought of the move to eliminate the infamous agency. Patrick has been against such sweeping tactics when dealing with transportation.
If approved, a new transportation system, called the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will come into play. It would be ruled by a five-member board appointed by Patrick and would control four divisions: the Registry of Motor Vehicles; the Highway Department; the turnpike; the Big Dig and other state highways and parkways; Mass Transit; and Aeronautics.
Under the current set up, toll roads are run by two agencies and state bridges are monitored by at least four agencies.
If the bill is passed the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority would still exist in a much smaller capacity, and the move does not guarantee that tolls or fares would not increase. That will be dictated by the state’s budget.
