One of Connecticut’s newly elected Governor’s campaign promises was to revitalize the state’s infrastructure. He proposed to do so by implementing truck-only tolls. Now it looks as though cars may be tolled as well – but they’ll likely have all sorts of discounts that keep truckers and out-of-state drivers paying the lion’s share.
In an op-ed published in the Connecticut Post last week, Gov. Ned Lamont wrote that “we need to not only maintain our aging transportation infrastructure, but it’s high time that we upgrade it, too.” According to Lamont, traffic – especially on I-95, I-91, I-84, and the Merritt Parkway – is holding back economic progress in the state.
To raise the billions of dollars needed for repairs and upgrades, Lamont initially proposed following Rhode Island’s lead by implementing truck-only tolls. But given the legal challenges facing Rhode Island’s tolling system, Lamont is reconsidering.
“While we are awaiting a ruling from the courts regarding truck-only tolling, our attorneys are pretty certain that if permitted, the tolling could only be done on specific bridges and the generated revenue would be reserved for those bridges, not for congestion pricing,” Lamont wrote. “Assuming our attorneys are correct, the truck-only option provides too little revenue, too slowly and too piecemeal to make a meaningful difference.”
In an address to the state legislature on Wednesday, Lamont expanded his toll proposal to include cars as well. Under the new plan, $213 million would be spent to construct 53 toll gantries by 2022 at the earliest.
All vehicles would have to pay tolls, but significant discounts would be available to commuters, frequent travelers, and in-state drivers in general. Aside from a discount off the top, in-state drivers may be offered an increase in the earned-income tax credit and/or a reduction in fuel taxes to offset the impact of having to pay tolls.
In his op-ed, Lamont estimated that “out-of-state drivers would provide nearly 50 percent of our tolling revenue.” He doubled-down on that claim during his budget address, saying that “it’s time for those out-of-state drivers to foot the bill for fixing our roads and bridges.”
That could have the effect of letting CT car drivers pay next to nothing for the tolls once all is said and done, leaving truckers and out-of-state drivers holding the bill.
No details were given on how much tolls would cost, but Lamont claims that the proposal would raise $800 million per year.
“I know this idea of tolling just sounds like one more damn tax I’m going to have to pay,” said Lamont during his address. “I am not going to fix this state unless I fix our transportation system.”
Source: overdrive, ttnews, ctpost, ctpost, freightwaves, hartfordcourant, ctmirror, wnpr
Mike says
Hmmm so what he’s saying is that he doesn’t want trucks or tourists to visit his state.
Jerry says
I lived there for many years in Connecticut…it’s a tax you to death state on both residents, and even many businesses have left due to their stupid taxes. I’m glad I don’t live in that state anymore, and as a truck driver or they are NOT truck friendly. They basically tax you on everything except most groceries. For instance Tax your car not only when you buy it, but you receive a tax bill every year/bi yearly as you own it, and if you don’t pay your car tax you can’t renew your registration…it’s a pathetic little state
J.C. Walker says
I agree. It’s time for trucks to say no and leave that state to its own devices.
Ken says
I would like to know who he is trying to kid. Commonsense will tell you the only thing will happen is the trucking system will just raise the rates to go to those places that much more and the people will End up paying by buying their needs at a higher price and you the people end up paying for it anyway thank you for raising the trucking rates
Perry says
Come on now that’s why we pay “Ifta” , fuel tax at the pump, over $1200 annually for a license plate. Stop wasting our money and use it for what it’s intended for the roads and highways
Juan Huerta says
As a truck driver there is nothing more frustrating than paying tolls. I quit making delveries to the whole northeast a few years ago. The only way I would take a load up there is if it paid more than $5/mile. Otherwise you folks can starve or go without needed supplies. Most truck drivers are tired of all the regulations plus the tolls. The way I see it is you the people need us truck drivers more than we need you.
Rufus Crank says
The mandate for the creation of the interstate highway system states “all States shall provide 12% of annual budget to upkeep and maintenance of highway system.” If they can’t obey the law, then why should out of state drivers be made to pay? I pay my taxes, therefore, the interstate highway system is open to me toll free. It is not my responsibility to make up for the incompetence of others.
Kevin says
That is a great point. Trump doesn’t hold back on his opinions, I wish someone would put a bug in his ear on that. Doubt all states are following that mandate.
Manny says
This happens when we all have to paid pensions.
kc says
Well good for the Northeast and it’s mismanaged system. I don’t drive up there for this very reason. They mismanage federal money for the road system and more taxing the trucks like we make trillions of dollars and are the cause of the nations problems. Their selves could go empty up there for all I care. I don’t even care to go above the 20.
Joseph Carucci says
The Interstate trucking system, i.e. brokers and logistics professionals already have a plan in place for such tolling. They raise the rate and linehaul AND bill the tolls separately as line item. This means owners of the freight pay nearly double and we get to keep the difference. Ultimately this cost consumers more at the point of sale for necessities. Most of the toll money ends up making a few rich and does little to build new infrastructure. They didn’t plan I95 well in Connecticut and to fix it would require absorbing a lot of Real Estate and tearing down and starting over basically. Theres no room for center Express lanes and they are what fixes congestion.
Jughead says
Connecticut has the money, they just know how to waste it. I have seen on several occasions 5 DOT trucks just blocking traffic for 2 guys putting asphalt in a hole at a rate of 20 pounds an hour. Now you figure the cost per mile with all the benefits and truck cost to fill potholes. Bid it to a private company and save millions just there. The governor is a dummy and there is just no oversight in CT.
Joe Barilari says
My rates to the northeast reflect the the costs of going there, run your states as you will.
El NoCeapo says
I’m fully in support on paying bigger more expensive tolls,I fact I beg CT government to toll me a flat rate 1,000,000$ as I not only be happy to pay it but I’d be thrilled when I add in my 8.5% surcharge on that toll then pass along that bill to my American friends I will call ‘the consumer ‘ thanks again for the pay raise…thank you CT I love you …..Remember people, Trucks dont pay Tolls… people pay tolls…. u Surprised?
Joseph Webb says
Awesome thought loved the sarcasm. LMAO reading the other on here they are company paid and can’t even begin to understand the cost.
Stephen Easton says
Because they do not want to pay the going rate to move freight out of New England I rarely accept freight going there. Even the rates going in are not that bright. It rivals Florida. I have no incentive to go in there. If you now add in the new CT plan to the ALREADY burdensome tolls in NY, NJ, MA etc there is zero point in going there. Same as California. They have legislated your way out of this trucker ever giving them any IFTA, tax of any kind or helping your industry to run. I won’t use restaurants, shops etc. I generally apply this to the whole of New England, Florida, California, Oregon & Washington. They are not worth my while bothering with.
Dezmoek Wobski says
He’s got a point though. Its mainly the weekend travelers from NY,NJ, and MA that clog up CT hiways going back and forth from Boston to NY. They should foot the bill. The freight rates should reflect the trucks incentives for hauling freight there, and if not we won’t haul it.
Dave says
If you fix the politicians and pass reasonable budgets and then put the $$$$ where they should be used instead of BS pork barrel projects then you will fix your state.
Buck says
Drivers should pay the Lion’s Share. We are the ones that tear up the highways and should be willing to pay for them being fixed. We use them the most so we should pay the most.
Mike says
When I became an owner operator I quit going to the N.E. states the tolls are high the roads are a disaster and the cops are douche bags.
Craig says
Allow me to correct you. The northeast is a craphole, and all them twidiots up there are douche bags
Mike C. says
Last I hea He will study it longer then make a decision.
rd the Gov.said he will not put this into law .
Jeff says
If the Connecticut was responsible with the budget in the first place maybe they would be in this mess to begin with. Where does all the money go first off. Ned if you think taxing more residents and business is the only option on economic growth boy there is a problem.
Donald Lippold says
Im confused…lets do the math 213 million to build 53 toll booths to afford fixing the roads…hmmm…why not just spend that money, idk, on the roads?
John says
Well when ct does that ny-vt-mass and all other states will follow and say if ct wants to toll our residence we will follow with the same. I remember when ny wanted to tax people from nj who worked in Manhattan
Joseph Webb says
Wake up America!!! This is why truckers WILL NOT GO TO THE EAST COAST. Your roads have been paid for a 100 times over by the taxes you charge truckers. You line your pockets with this money YOU claim is for infrastructure. I would tell all driver to say to hell with the East coast and let you all starve. I for one will NOT go to any of those toll thieving States it’s not the trucker who tears up the damn roads have you ever watched the Department of Transportation snow plows… destroy roads…it’s job security ladies and gentlemen plain and simple. Toll roads are a way for states who already TAX you yearly for roads. Now make you pay to drive on roads that were paid for by taxpayers get this for repairs that you are already paying taxes on…can anyone say bullshit*t. Hey then after awhile they sell it to a Forgien County that raises the tolls to give to there County…ie PA TURNPIKE (citigroup and Spain’s Albertis infrastructure group) who raised the tolls on trucks to unreasonable rates to run the toll road with 44k lbs class 7 is $374.50
And people wonder why owner operators want run the east coast for less than $4.50 because it’s ate up with tolls and the fuel prices are outrageous highest in country next to the hate state of California.
Craig says
I did say to heck with the East Coast. I quit without notice Feb 27. Found a new job today. Told the new HR person at the new company that the US eastern seaboard all the way down to Maryland Delaware, and over to Penns is off limits. They said fine, we have more than enough drivers that are willing to be paid the premium to run there. I said “All the power to them”
Robert Benoit says
Can’t put tolls on existing roads. For the moment it’s against federal law. One of the things Trump wants to get rid of. I say don’t get rid of it. Wyoming is trying to toll I-80 as well.
We pay enough tolls, even with my company getting a volume discount on E-ZPass, it’s still too much. Customer don’t have to pay for tolls either. Sometimes they do and it’s added in the rates.
Why don’t they use the cigarette taxes in Connecticut to pay for the roads. That’s what they used to say when they raised the taxes. I used to live there that is how I know.
Robert Benoit says
This is why places don’t want to do business in the area. Taxes. GE moved to Boston for tax breaks.
I figure like this Connecticut wants it’s freight I’ll drop it at the state line and they can come get it. I’m tired of states targeting trucks with tolls and fuel taxes.
OVER THE ROAD says
I lived in CT until 4 years ago. Moved to Tennessee. Screw CT and it’s taxes. Now tolls? I will not deliver in or through CT anymore. My family will have to come visit me if they would like.likely