Patrick Administration Considers Replacement of Toll Booths on MassPike

Motorists would no longer have to stop or even slow down to pay their tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike under a plan being considered by Gov. Deval Patrick's administration.

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Patrick said Monday the state is hoping to phase out tollbooths and replace them with an electronic system that would automatically toll drivers as they exit the highway.

The governor stressed that planning is still in its early stages and details are still being worked out.

Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey estimates that it would cost about $100 million to replace the current toll collection system, which costs the state about $55 million a year.

But officials say it will save money in the long run and make the turnpike more convenient.

Most of the state's 400 or so toll collector positions would be eliminated by 2015.

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