Connecticut Tolls One Step Closer to Reality

The Transportation Committee voted in favor of a bill that would establish electronic tolls in Connecticut.

The issue will next head to the House of Representatives, according to the Connecticut Post. If the issue is fully passed by the General Assembly it would begin a four-year planning process to establish tolls.

Voting was close at 19 to 16. State Sen. Toni Boucher said tolls who unfairly affect commuters and that the gas tax is more equitable. She also questioned whether the funds wouldn't make it to transportation improvement projects.

Transportation Committee co-chair Tony Guerrera said that the gas tax is becoming less useful as vehicles become more fuel efficient or are all electric. He said there are rules in place that would make sure any toll revenue would go toward transportation projects.

It is estimated tolls could bring in as much as $18.3 billion in revenue by 2040 with 30 percent coming from out-of-state drivers and another 24 percent from heavy trucks.

Image via Elise Amendola/Associated Press