Posted on 05/21/2009 9:56:32 AM PDT by raccoonradio
[Mass.] Pike drivers might get a free ride for an entire day or several hours during traffic-heavy holidays such as Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, according to a report on the Easter traffic debacle released today.
The report, which blames understaffing and a fragmented “wave through” policy for the seven-mile backup on the Massachusetts Turnpike April 12th, called for a study into creating “toll free days.”
“A review should be completed to determine whether it is possible to have entire toll free days or extended toll free periods during expected high traffic delays,” an official wrote in the report.
The toll free policy originated under former Pike executive director James Kerisiotis, but was canceled after drivers began planning their trips around the freebie, according to the report.
“Unfortunately, Massachusetts drivers timed their travel accordingly, and traffic congestion was made worse not better. The experience illustrates past efforts made to ease traffic conditions and MTA employees’ knowledge of Pike traffic trends,” the official wrote. Outcry following the nightmarish Easter traffic jam prompted former Pike
Executive Director Alan LeBovidge to resign his post and Gov. Deval Patrick to call for an in-depth study into its cause.
The 15-page study said a new overtime policy, implemented for the first time on Easter Day, dialed the number of toll takers down to 167 from 193 the Easter in 2008.
The report suggested reversing that policy while keeping an eye on costs savings.
The study also blamed a new “wave through” policy, implemented last September, which required state police to get approval from the Pike’s executive director before they could wave vehicles through the tolls without collecting payment.
During the Easter traffic jam some people took 8 hours, not the normal 3.5-4 hrs, to get from Albany to Boston.
The Sturbridge Toll is always a disaster.
Gee, a whole weekend without tolls. The Pike was supposed to be toll free decades ago.
Recent Herald poll
Herald Pulse
Will you buy a Fast Lane transponder?
4% - Yes, I was stuck in this weekend’s mess
12% - No, I don’t travel the Pike enough
22% - It shouldn’t matter, the Pike should flow no matter what
62% - Make the Mass Pike free and end this traffic torture
...Understaffing due to a SICK-OUT!
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