Is removing the toll booths really progress or just another government intrusion?

Date: 5/5/2016

So, let me get this straight: we are taking down the toll booths on the Massachusetts Turnpike and asking everyone to have a transponder so we can eliminate the traffic build-up at the toll booths? And if you don’t have a transponder, you’ll be charged a fee and be sent a bill?

We eliminate the jobs of the toll takers, but we create jobs in order to handle the creation of bills?

All of this is to be ready by October?

I can’t help but think that those of you who are concerned about the growth of big government would be horrified by this plan. The Commonwealth is asking you to sign up for a device that would deduct money from a bank account.

Would Alex Jones approve? (Look him up kids.)

Is that less intrusive than handing someone your ticket and a handful of coins? I don’t think so. It will involve less time, though, on your part as a motorist as you make your way on the ‘pike.

The plan is spurred onward by the traffic issues the eastern part of the state sees on the turnpike. I get it. The Boston area is where all the people live so their needs should be addressed.

Those of us who live in areas of the state that are less populated may not see this as a pressing issue. We look at transportation and wonder if the Commonwealth will fix roads or bridges that need repairs.

Those of us who dream really large dare to whisper – or shout – about the possibility of commuter rail that would link Springfield to Worcester to tie into the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority system.

For me, I just want better train service in our north/south corridor, linking Vermont and Connecticut.

Hey, and wasn’t the turnpike supposed to be a free road eventually or was that an urban myth? I suppose the answer is “not anytime soon?” The State House News Service reported in December 2015 that Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said although bonds for the ‘pike would be paid off in 2017, the road has its problems and tolls might need to stay in place.

Ah, progress.

Good feeling

Last week on my way to an assignment, my car broke down. I was on St. James Avenue near the entrance to I-291 when it happened and I was able to roll past the entrance to the highway to a relatively safe place.

I called AAA and waited.  

In my rear view mirror I spotted two young men who were walking toward me. As they past me, one of them looked at me with an obvious question on his face and flashed me a thumbs up.

I returned the thumbs up and nodded.

It’s moments such as this one that are fleeting but reassuring. He didn’t know me, I didn’t know him, but he clearly wanted to make sure I was okay.

Shortly after that a Springfield police officer pulled up behind me and wanted to know the same thing – was I okay?  I told him I was waiting for AAA and he made sure he didn’t need to stay with me before returning to his car and resuming his patrol.

These two encounters were no big deal, but they are the events  that help restore one’s faith in humanity and one’s belief that a city such as the size of Springfield truly is a community.

This column is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the position of the owners or advertisers of this newspaper. Got a comment about this story? Go to http://speakout.thereminder.com and let us know.