More than 1,000 people from the northeast corner of the state came out Monday evening to tell state officials not to raise the toll on the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge, which they say connects them to their churches, shopping centers, doctors and friends on the other side of the Susquehanna River.
The toll rate is slated to rise from $10 a year for area residents who sign up for a special decal to $36 in October and $72 in 2013. It's part of a larger plan to raise maintenance and repair money from tolls across the state for bridges, tunnels and roads.
"Stick with $10!" demanded Hilda Joy Mathis of Havre de Grace, who came to a public hearing held by the Maryland Transportation Authority, one of many hearings planned ahead of the increases.
She was joined by her neighbor Sarah Morris, who said the historic hikes were too much for many people to handle in a tough economy. She said, "I understand they need to go up, but I'd like to see a smaller increase and none of those on-going fees."
Morris and many others objected to the state authority's plan to swap out the decals locals have used since 1976 for an EZPass, which comes with monthly fees and a one-time cost for the transponders.
Just another way for us to bail out the states debt, from 10 to 72 in the course of 2 years is absoultely ridiculous. If they had been paying attention to the tolls the whole time we wouldn't have this problem there probably would have been a steay but suttle incline, now its oh here it is and no questions aasked.
ReplyDeleteThey don't care and we have ourselves to blame as we keep electing the same idiots.
ReplyDeleteMore "highway robbery" in its most obvious form. When does it end? How much is too much? I don't travel that area so, it's of no consequence to me directly. However, what is it gonna take to for people to finally stand up and so NO! When you start spending the rest of our money, you steal from us, properly....then and only then will we consider these ridiculous hikes. I've had just about all I can take from or elected officials, on all levels.
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