Board to Vote on Toll Rollback

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Responding to protests from commuters and legislators, the Maine Turnpike Authority met today to reconsider part of a toll increase scheduled to take effect Feb. 1.

he authority's board was poised to vote on a plan to reduce the amount of the increase targeted at commuters and commercial drivers, who were hit hardest in the toll formula approved in November to finance the widening of the road's southern section.

Commuters, many of whose bills would have doubled under the original plan, would pay no more than 50 percent over their current quarterly rate under the new version.

ates for commercial drivers would increase up to 80 percent over the existing fee, instead of 92 percent.

Increases aimed at drivers who pay cash would remain the same.

The original toll formula triggered a backlash from commuters and legislators, who argued that it unfairly targeted the road's heaviest users.

ecause last year's toll revenues exceeded projections, the turnpike authority is able to reduce the amount of the increase by $800,000, said Paul E. Violette, executive director.

We are now comfortable that the most dramatic toll increases can be significantly reduced, without jeopardizing the financial foundation of the widening project and vital safety improvements," Mr. Violette said.