Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider Congestion Pricing Legislation

Could reduced traffic and pollution, like those downtown Manhattan has experienced with congestion pricing, come to Massachusetts?  

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering congestion pricing under bill S.2354. The legislation proposes a seven-member board to develop a regionally equitable toll plan on high-traffic roads, assessing locations, costs, and impacts on traffic, emissions, and revenue, according to a Telegram & Gazette report. 

The plan would target congested corridors around Greater Boston, major bridges, and interstate routes near state borders, potentially involving I-93, I-95, and routes into Boston.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), advanced from the Transportation Committee and is now before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. It still faces a lengthy legislative process before any implementation.

New York's congestion pricing is cited as a reference point for reducing traffic, cutting emissions, and funding transit. The state's congestion pricing has, however, faced political pushback over perceived unfairness to commuters who already pay highway costs.

In contrast, other U.S. cities, such as California, Miami, Denver, Minneapolis, and Houston, use toll lanes to manage congestion but do not implement citywide congestion pricing like New York.

State Sen. Robyn Kennedy emphasizes equity in any decision that's reached. Kennedy argues that transportation taxes have disproportionately affected residents near the Massachusetts Turnpike and supports using congestion pricing to fund road maintenance, according to the Telegram & Gazette.

Even if approved, Massachusetts' congestion pricing could take years to implement and would require multiple legislative steps, public input, and potential polling infrastructure before any program could begin.

Toll amounts have also not yet been established and would depend on location, maintenance costs, and other factors. Benchmarks from New York City show daily charges up to $9 for cars and $21.60 for trucks and buses in the core zone.