December 17, 2008 MetroWest commuters debate toll hikes Play video

(John Moroney, NECN) - The debate over new highway tolls is heating up in Massachusetts. Today, one state lawmaker said any toll hike should be suspended, at least for the foreseeable future. Tonight people living west of Boston had their voices heard.

The tolls at Weston and the gateway to MetroWest, where they've been fighting turnpike fees since the 1950s.

The third of four public hearings on proposed toll hikes was held at memorial hall in Framingham. Significant increases are in the works to help pay off mounting debt from the big dig.

For MetroWest commuters, the cost of using the turnpike is expected to double ... Representing an increase of about $750 a year.

The Framingham hearing was not the only one to take place Wednesday regarding turnpike tolls. At the State House, lawmakers considered two bills: one would raise the gas tax instead tolls.

The other would freeze recommended toll increases altogether.

This group has been attending the toll hearings around the state. They're organized and they say people are starting to listen. They hope the turnpike's board will do the same.