Fast Lane Transponders Are Now Fee Free

WBZ

There's now no financial reason not to get a Massachusetts Turnpike Fast Lane transponder and cruise through toll booths without stopping to pay cash.

The Pike's board of directors voted unanimously Wednesday to give drivers free transponders, and after huge traffic backups on Easter Sunday, they decided to eliminate the monthly 50 cent charge.

Officials say getting rid of the charge to have a transponder would eliminate any remaining barrier for drivers to get one.

Dropping the monthly fee -- which was to have started July 1 -- will cost the agency about $6 million annually.

In addition to getting rid of fees, the Mass. Turnpike is also planning to take additional steps to avoid future traffic headaches, including revamping toll staffing over holiday weekends, having managers fill in for toll takers who call in sick and implementing the "wave through" policy when there are unusual delays at the tolls.

Agency officials also announced the backups had prompted them to cancel planned layoffs of 50 toll collectors. They have already lost an equivalent number through attrition.

The announcement of free transponders got Warner from Marlboro Curious if people who've paid for a transponder will get a refund.

The answer, unfortunately, is no.

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