Watch CBS News

Keller @ Large: No EZ Pass By Now? That's Your Fault

BOSTON (CBS) - So, how is your Mass Pike commute going today?

Check: Traffic Updates

If the state's own forecasts are proving to be correct, chances are it's a nightmare. They're tearing down the toll booths to accommodate the new electronic tolling system, and the toll plazas will be severely constricted for weeks.

I'm sure many commuters will be angered by this, and some of you may be considering writing to me demanding that I blast the state officials responsible. I value your patronage and want to be helpful, but I have to be honest – don't hold your breath.

Last week, there was all sorts of outrage over long waits at distribution centers and huge online logjams to get your transponder.

EZ pass
Customers in Natick wait in line to get an EZ Pass transponder. (WBZ-TV)

But the state warned us that all this would be happening and that you'd better go get your transponder more than two months ago.

And folks, let's face it – they've been offering transponders and encouraging Pike commuters to get them since 1999.

That's 17 years ago.

There's a moral to this story – don't leave stuff like this until the last minute!

And if you do, you'd better expect to get caught in a crush of other people who either didn't pay attention to something they should have paid attention to, or simply couldn't be bothered to act on it.

I'm happy to call out our government when they're negligent. But not this time.

If you want to play the blame game here, sorry, better look in the mirror.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.