The MassPike is currently undergoing a major transformation. All the tolls along the highway are now becoming an All Electronic Tolling system. What this means is that cash is no longer an option when travelling on this road. Instead, gantries are taking photos of your vehicle and collecting data to charge you for going through. Those with EZ-Pass transponders are billed right away, while those without the transponders will be billed in the mail.
Although this does improve safety and congestion along the turnpike, I myself am feeling very sad to see the old toll plazas go. I think that cash was a useful option for those that preferred that option. This was especially ideal for those travelling from far away, and could not get an EZ-Pass. Why, you ask? Probably because where they come from, there is no EZ-Pass provided in these areas; California and Florida for example.
And what would happen if the bills were lost in the mail? What would the people do have they not received the billing for weeks and months, and suddenly get a violation letter without warning? I sense that there would be a lot of complaining regarding this issue, and I would feel sorry for those that would be forced to fight the violation in court. Talk about a waste of time!
I grew up with the classic toll system. As time went by in my life, I fell in love with the toll plazas, and their warning signs (yeah, it’s funny, but true). I was also curious to know what it was like working as a toll collector, what it looked like inside a toll building, and inside the tunnels beneath the plazas. Ever since I got my driver’s license, I was used to slowing down to about 15 MPH or so going through all the toll plazas, not just in Massachusetts, but everywhere else, as well. The first time I ever encountered high speed tolling was in New Hampshire, along Interstate 95 in Hampton. I thought that whole system was actually a joke; driving through the tolls at highway speeds? But sure enough, there were the toll cameras.
As time went on, high speed tolling began to spread throughout New England, until finally it hit the MassPike, the Tobin Bridge and the tunnels at Logan Airport. It is sad to see them go, and I am pretty sure people are going to have a hard time adjusting to this change. I feel like technology is going too far at this point.
I especially feel sorry for the toll collectors. Many of them have lost their jobs, and some of them are searching for new ones. Luckily, there were some that have been offered other jobs, while some just chose to retire. For those that are still searching for a new job, I am sending my thoughts and prayers to any and all of them; especially if they’re reading this. May you get a better job soon.
Article by Benjamin Long