Boucher Criticizes Tolling Process

WILTON, CT — State Sen. Toni Boucher is criticizing state officials for not explaining the process to establish tolls and the associated costs.

Under federal rules Connecticut's tolls wouldn't be allowed at just the borders and would have to include congestion alleviation, such as higher tolls during peak commuting hours.

“I don’t think the general public understands what congestion tolling in Connecticut would look like,” she said. “Commissioner Redeker is already on record saying that congestion tolling would make Connecticut the most heavily tolled state in the nation. When you add in the fact that 70 percent of toll revenue would come from Connecticut drivers, you are placing the heaviest burden on those lower-income drivers who can least afford it.”

Engineering company CDM Smith included 78 tolling locations throughout the state in a 2015 study, Boucher said.

Boucher also said that the discussion about where tolls would go isn't getting enough discussion.

"The Governor’s proposal has the Department of Transportation making decisions about tolls. If it’s anything like the agency’s approach to rail and bus fares and routes, public input will fall on deaf ears,” she said. “The other proposals create a quasi-public transportation authority, which also does not answer to the public.

Official portrait photo