Congestion Pricing Pilot Program

SECTION 104.   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 March 31, 2019.

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 house of representatives and the senate, the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on transportation.