According to the Rhode Island Trucking Association, the 14 tolling gantries proposed by Governor Gina Raimondo’s truck-only tolling plan has somehow ballooned to 33.
The original proposed locations which you can see here, are part of the Governor’s Rhodeworks plan which hopes to raise $1 billion to repair, maintain, and improve roads in the state. The highly controversial plan would see the first ever truck-only toll in the history of the United States, a move that the ATA claims is illegal and will actually do more harm than good to Rhode Island’s economy.
Chris Maxwell, the president of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, wrote in a letter to association members that “it appears that the number of gantries that will be constructed around the state is 33. That is, while the governor and RIDOT have publicly advertised 14 locations, the true measure of the program is the number of times a truck can register a toll, which appears to be far greater than that number.”
In response to the numerous questions that RIDOT has been receiving about the increased number of gantries, a spokesperson for the RIDOT scrambled to explain:
“RIDOT has identified 14 preliminary tolling locations. However, it is important to note the difference between tolling locations and number of gantries. Some of these locations may require more than one physical gantry – for example, if the road is too wide for a single gantry, one might be needed in each direction. The final number of gantries will be determined as we go through the procurement process.”
However, even if every single previously proposed tolling location needed two gantries, that would still only total 28. As Maxwell puts it, “there’s a lack of truth and transparency.”
Previously, it was proposed that the maximum toll per truck in one direction would be $20, with a maximum of $40 in tolls being charged per day. There is no word yet on if or how the new tolling locations will affect the rates.
Source: johnstonsunrise, google, wpri, providencejournal, stoptollsri, ritrucking, truckersreport
JJ says
Im a company driver. Our company does a few pu in RI, I personally think the Governor of RI is dead wrong on this. At any rate does anyone know if these tolls will accept EZPASS transponders in a lot of our trucks these days?
Chuck says
Just another reason Not to run New England !!! Let them starve up there!!
Doug says
Googled her, found out she’s a demoncrat…gee, what a shock…NOT!!!
Bill Remington says
To me this is discriminating against truck drivers. I still say no goods in or out of RI. Or, toll everyone that drives their interstates.
SAMUEL LEE says
West bound I287 in NY after the Tappan Zee bridge has a bus and truck only toll…So your assertion is wrong…She’s more worried about promising wages like the dummies in CT than infrastructure.
Plato Easter says
The last comment. Is it only the Governor that dictates and creates policy? I don’t think so. This is a false and deflecting argument that just feeds into the political hatred of our times, and deflects attention away from the real tax program creators. Their legislature is where it supposedly all begins.
So, perhaps major trucking companies should not cover loads into RI? Is this feasible? I’m surprised some court action is not already in the works. Perhaps OOIDA and ATA could find common ground here? Another question is: has RI, like so many other states, deliberately removed the fuel tax income from the highway repair fund into the general fund? And now it has caught up to them. That needs to be addressed while challenging this discriminating tax.
Gary says
Will not run up there…period !
Larry says
Let them raise,grow all their food needs.
Single Brain Cell says
If we stayed out completely or charged a $200.00 “fee” to all shippers and receivers for going into that state or going through it then we might come out ahead or the shippers and receivers could lobby their legislature to abolish the tolls. Personally I say just stay out and let them starve! (Or run around nekkid cause they would have no clothes in the stores.). Of course “best in class”, JB, orange, and the other biggies would never agree to boycott the state…….sigh…..oh well
Ed says
Do what i did, i out RI in my little black book of places to go. I would piss in that state.
Sandy says
Boycott boycott boycott RI!! If they can’t make a toll rd where EVERYONE pays then go without, they better start plows that pull behind horses cuz their gonna need it to grow some food, better start cutting trees down to heat their houses in the winter and buy some horses and buggys to get around because they won’t have any gas for their cars. I don’t think they have thought this through very well. Idiots