Traffic slows for the York tolls on the Maine Turnpike, in this file photo.
Photo: Robert F. Bukaty / AP
Photo: Robert F. Bukaty / AP
Appointed council would set toll prices
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A panel of 12 people would have the power to set toll rates, according to the latest version of a bill that would implement trucks-only tolling on select highway bridges across the state.
Though the transportation commissioner would establish the initial base rate for tolls — between $6 and $13 — and have the ability to propose future changes, a new Transportation Policy Council would have the sole authority to change the rates on any tolled bridge.
The new draft, released Monday night is a departure from previous proposals that would leave the rating structure in the hands of the legislature.
A public hearing on the 32-page bill will be held Friday, with a vote expected early next week.
The council will be made up of appointees by legislature who have expertise in various transportation areas, including commuter rail, transportation equity, bus transportation, municipal government, public safety, and construction or engineering. The secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of Housing and the State Treasurer will all have seats on the council.
One appointee selected by the Governor will be required to have expertise in transit-oriented development, while another will represent the building trades.
Nonvoting members of the council will include the transportation commissioner and the chairmen and ranking members of the General Assembly’s transportation and bonding committees.
Toll Locations
On Interstate 84 crossing the Housatonic River in the towns of 40 Newtown and Southbury
On Interstate 84 and Connecticut Route 8 in the city of Waterbury
On Interstate 84 over Berkshire Road in the town of West 43 Hartford
On Interstate 91 and Connecticut Route 15 at the Charter Oak Bridge and Dutch Point in the cities of Hartford and East Hartford
On Interstate 95 over the Metro-North Railroad in the city of Stamford
On Interstate 95 over Connecticut Route 33 in the town of Westport
On Interstate 95 spanning the Metro-North Railroad in the city of West Haven
On Interstate 95 over Connecticut Route 161 in the town of East Lyme
On Interstate 95 over the Thames River in the cities of New London and Groton
On Interstate 395 over the Moosup River in the town of Plainfield
On Interstate 684 overpassing the Byram River in the town of Greenwich
On Connecticut Route 8, south of the interchange with Interstate 84 in the city of Waterbury