People in western Massachusetts get a chance this week to voice their opinion on the proposed fare structure when all-electronic tolling begins on the turnpike next month.
MassDOT will hold a public hearing in Springfield Wednesday and in Lenox Thursday. Both hearings start at 6:30 p.m.
Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said the turnpike toll pricing structure is changing because 26 toll plazas will be replaced by 16 gantries that have sensors and cameras to electronically charge tolls as vehicles drive beneath.
" It is a complicated process. We think we put out a fair set of (regulations). We definitely want to hear what people have to say," said Pollack.
Motorists with Massachusetts issued E-ZPass transponders will get discounted prices. Drivers without transponders will be subject to surcharges and billing fees.
The all-electronic toll system is to go into effect Oct. 28th.
