Good News for People who travel in NH
From Boston.com
CONCORD, N.H. -- Gov. John Lynch said Tuesday he wants drivers to be able to use highway toll tokens for two more years but put the electronic E-Z Pass system into operation by July
Abruptly ending the use of tokens -- and the discount they provide -- is not fair to our residents. I firmly believe we needed a more gradual transition," Lynch said in a statement.
The state Department of Transportation had asked that tokens be eliminated by Jan. 1 of 2006 and the House voted to support that approach.
Lynch will offer his alternative to the Executive Council on Thursday. Under his plan, the tokens, which provide a 50 percent discount over cash, would remain in use until July 1, 2007.
The discount rate for E-ZPass would be set at 30 percent for private vehicles and 10 percent for commercial vehicles.
Lynch proposes to sell E-ZPass transponders for $10 the first year and $30 after. The devices deduct money from an electronic account when a vehicle passes through a toll booth. Widely used in other states, it is expected to cut down on congestion and air pollution at the tolls.
Lynch said his plan provides incentives for people the buy the transponders "without punishing those who don't."