The first two tolling locations for Rhode Island’s infamous truck-only tolls were supposed to be operational starting in February. Then that estimate got pushed back to March. Now it’s April and Rhode Island is claiming that the expected start date is “by the end of May.” So, what’s happening?
Only the first two tolling locations have finished construction. According to testimony from RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. last week, officials just want to make sure that they are working perfectly before they start collecting tolls.
“The instruction we have from the governor is to test them until we are absolutely sure they are running at 100 percent — and then take more time, to make sure that when we turn the switch on, they work the first time and every time that a vehicle passes underneath them,” Alviti said according to a report in the Providence Journal.
It is estimated that the delay has cost the state almost $2 million in lost toll revenue so far. And a delay on these gantries also delays the rollout on the other locations. According to Alviti, that could mean that the state misses out of a total of $16 million by the end of the fiscal year. That funding gap in turn means that the bridge and highway projects that rely on that revenue will be delayed as well.
So why the delay?
The tolls have been incredibly controversial, with challenges against them coming from all sides of the trucking industry. Multiple organizations have even promised to sue the state as soon as the first toll is collected.
With all eyes focused on Rhode Island over this (in the trucking industry at least), it’s possible that the state just wants to make sure that the system works as smoothly as possible. Or they could be preparing for a lawsuit. Or maybe they’ve realized that, as the Rhode Island Trucking Association promised, collecting these tolls will result in “a lengthy and very expensive legal battle that will be funded by taxpayer dollars.”
Source: overdrive, ttnews, truckersreport, providencejournal, RIDOT, truckersreport, truckersreport
Alex D. says
Rhode island home of corruption, wasting money and building something redundant. I have lived in this state all 38 years of my life and it has never stopped being a crap hole and moneypit for the government leaches
Mike V. says
why not run for office, change things?
mike C. says
Saw them on 95 the other morning and the thought hit my mind , what ever happened to those infamous tolls . I think they will delay them so many times that they just might forget about them or they are waiting for the State elections to come so they can be voted out .
Michael says
Only tolling trucks is discriminatory. If they collect fuel taxes and then collect a toll tax, it is double taxation. This is bad policy and should be illegal. I am not sure why the delay to file a lawsuit.
Ray Collins says
I lived in Rhode Island 47 years. I finally started up and moved to New Hampshire. No state income tax, no sales tax, better roads that are maintained and plowed correctly.
If the corruption was put in check and common sense took over that would be great. Yes New Hampshire has toll roads but the money isn’t stolen year after year to fund other things. It for ROADS ONLY. Everyone hear pays.
Super Duck says
Rhode Island just doesn’t get freight. Let the folks who live in that miserable place haul it in there themselves. Wanna toll only trucks figure out how to get your own stuff. Truckers pay to dang much as it is to try and scratch out a living. Greedy freaking trolls
Brian W says
It seems to me that there’s a very simple solution to this ridiculous additional tax on the trucking industry: Stay the H out of RI. Hate to turn down freight to RI? Great. Haul it to the state line. It seems to me there’s a business opportunity right there for some local, intra-state hauler to move the freight. Yes, this model is more logistically challenging. Yes l, the freight costs will go up. Yes, the cost of goods to the consumer will go up. And MAYBE, it just might get the attention of the people of the state of RI to throw these corrupt politicians the F out of office. I’m sure some of them deserve an all expense paid stay in prison. Ironically, at the expense of the people of the state of RI.
Keith says
I wouldn’t have an issue carrying freight to Rhode Island. I would add the toll fees in the shipping cost and an additional 15% mark up to make sure i didn’t lose any money taking the goods to Rhode Island. So unfortunately those same people who wanted the tolls would end up paying the bill themselves as the price on goods go up due to rising freight cost. It wouldn’t bother me a bit if someone had to pay $6 for a loaf of bread I don’t live there.
Douglas Kirk says
Let em starve
Rufus says
I keep noticing that I am expected to pay for infrastructure upgrades through tolls and heavy use tax. Yet, never once has it been said that every customer who loads my truck places more weight on the hwy than I do. Where is their toll,or tax. I am a mere mortal trying to survive. They are wealthy and in it for the money. How about taxing those who profit the most from our decaying infrastructure.