Amendment #81 to H4508

Congestion Pricing Pilot Program

Mr. Madaro of Boston moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION XXXX. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall design and implement a temporary pilot program to test the technological feasibility of charging toll rates that are different depending on the time of day, with the goal of relieving congestion for motorists. The program shall not result in a toll rate increase on any road or driver and shall include a discount structure, including off-peak discounts of not less than 25 per cent. Only vehicles with transponders issued by the commonwealth shall be eligible for such discounts. The pilot program shall commence not later than February 1, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation shall issue a report on the results of the pilot program including, but not limited to: (i) the scope of the pilot program; (ii) implementation challenges and lessons learned; (iii) data on customer participation and customer satisfaction; (iv) an analysis of how the pilot program compared to smarter tolling policies in other states and regions; and (v) an analysis of how tolling policies can be used to alleviate congestion on roadways and propose next steps toward implementation. Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of the program, the report shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the chairs of the senate and house committees on ways and means and the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on transportation.”.