In a controversial move, the Massachusetts Turnpike's board of directors voted to postpone for six months toll hikes that were proposed to go into effect in January. In the same meeting, however, they cut toll discounts for truckers.

The toll increase has been planned since 1997, when the authority agreed to contribute $1.5 billion toward the cost of the Boston Central Artery/Ted Williams Tunnel project known as the Big Dig. In delaying it, the board cost the agency $30 million in tolls. Acting Gov. Jane Swift was extremely displeased with the decision, according to published reports, calling the vote irresponsible.
To help make up the shortfall, the board voted to end the volume discount that commercial users receive when they pay tolls, to the tune of about $1 million a year. They also want to consider restoring tolls to Interchanges 1 through 6 in the western part of the state, and putting a toll booth back at Interchange 16 in West Newton. Another proposal that has been tossed around is putting tollbooths on interstate highways at the New Hampshire and Rhode Island borders.
A group of state lawmakers has been considering filing legislation to freeze tolls at their current levels.