The General Assembly recently passed HB 6200 to allow tolls to pay for an 8.5-mile extension of Route 11 from Salem to I-95 in Waterford. Viewed through a narrow prism, the bill’s language allows tolls to finance the construction of one road’s extension. But the problem is the bill’s language actually allows for tolls everywhere.

A legislative committee has decided that tolls should be used to pay for the completion of Route 11.

HARTFORD — In a preliminary step toward returning tolls to state highways, a legislative committee on Friday endorsed the idea of charging motorists to pay for building or extending highways, such as the half-completed Route 11 in eastern Connecticut. Read more here: Highway Tolls Idea Edges A Bit Closer In Connecticut – Courant.com.

It’s time to bring back highway tolls at Connecticut’s borders, says Rep. Anthony Guerrera, D-29 (Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield), who chairs the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.

Sometimes we commuters feel like Howard Beale from the 1976 movie “Network”.  We’re as mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore! The MTA, parent of Metro-North, is at it again.  Under the guise of balancing their budget, they’re proposing rules changes that will penalize riders, hike fares and discourage ridership.  For
[continue reading...]

“It is time to return to the starting line and bring back tolls.” This is one conclusion of a report issued Wednesday by The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a coalition of regional planning and transportation groups determined to relieve highway congestion, focus on building communities around transit hubs, encourage bus and rail projects and raise revenues
[continue reading...]

A coalition of regional planning and transportation groups called Wednesday for gubernatorial candidates to create state transportation policy that fosters bus and rail projects and development around transit stations, along with raising new project revenues through tolls and offering tax credits to jump-start denser development in urban areas. As the Connecticut gubernatorial race heats up,
[continue reading...]

Why is gasoline so expensive in Connecticut compared to other states? A large part is the taxes that subsidize our transportation system. That’s why gas is so much cheaper in New Jersey, which has no taxes (but expensive highway tolls). But I still believe that gasoline prices in this country are still too low because
[continue reading...]

The $104 monthly MetroCard moved one step closer to reality on Wednesday as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to start the process of implementing a sprawling set of fare increases on the region’s buses, trains and bridges. via M.T.A. Moves Ahead With Plan to Raise Fares and Tolls – City Room Blog – NYTimes.com.

My father taught me that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” I’m trying to teach my daughter that there’s no such thing as a free ride. With a newly minted driver’s license, she’s found new freedom behind the wheel… until I ask her to fill the gas tank. Now, as we drive past
[continue reading...]

Whether you’re a daily commuter, an occasional day-tripper or have friends visiting this summer, everyone can save money when you go into NYC by following this time-tested advice: TRANSITCHEK:  See if your employer subscribes to this fabulous service, which allows workers to buy up to $230 per month in transit using pre-tax dollars.  If you’re
[continue reading...]

The Connecticut Public Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing in Danbury Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Danbury City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue, on public transportation, both in the region and statewide, and to hear suggestions for improvements. Among the issues that the the commission seeks comments on are:

Feds are about to veto Pennsylvania’s attempt to install tolls on Interstate 80, a decision that affects Connecticut’s plans for tolls.

Asked whether the state Department of Transportation planned to conduct a follow-up study requested last year by the state legislature to further probe restoring highway tolls, DOT Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Parker acknowledged the work was still on hold. via Transit advocates urge new approach – StamfordAdvocate.

Connecticut’s Joint Committee on Transportation reported several bills out of committee earlier this week, including a Tri-State supported bill to increase penalties for careless driving and an amended bill directing ConnDOT to prepare a plan to implement electronic tolls.

HARTFORD — A bill seeking to step up efforts to establish electronic tolls on highways statewide squeezed through committee Monday but not before Fairfield County legislators successfully deleted language that would have imposed road fees only in regions along state borders in towns such as Greenwich, Enfield, and Danbury. via Committee approves highway tolls; eliminates
[continue reading...]

The Connecticut Department of Transportation began the year by announcing that projects vital to maintaining a healthy highway system and economy in southeastern Connecticut – widening Interstate 95, adding a second span to the Mohegan Pequot Bridge and extending Route 11 – are “unfundable.” via Tolls the best solution | The Day .

RPA’s Amanda Kennedy testified Friday to the Connecticut General Assembly Transportation Committee to promote road pricing that would reduce congestion and vehicle miles traveled. The committee was considering a bill that would require payment of tolls at the state’s borders, and voted on Monday to strike the word “border” from advancing legislation. via RPA Testimony:
[continue reading...]

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Democratic Town Committee hosted a “Meet the Candidates” night on Thursday, March 11. Candidates for governor were in attendance and spoke to a crowd of about 50 people on key issues they feel the state needs to address. via Torrington Democrats discussed students, rail, and toll booths at “Meet the Candidates”
[continue reading...]

An expected drop in petroleum tax revenues due to more fuel-efficient hybrid cars adds urgency to Connecticut's discussion of tolls and other new ways to fund transportation projects, according to state Rep. Antonio “Tony” Guerrera, D-Rocky Hill. via Border toll proposal calls for camera system – GreenwichTime.