November 20, 2008 Pick your poison: Toll hike or gas tax? Play video

(Brad Puffer, NECN) - A proposed hike in tolls on the Mass Pike and the tunnels has raised a debate in Massachusetts.

House Speaker Sal DiMasi has said that an increase in the gas tax is a fairer way to share the costs of the Big Dig. The current gas tax is at 23.5 cents per gallon, and has not been changed since 1991.

The hikes would go into effect in 2009 after a series of public hearings. But a gas tax would spread the cost around, rather than giving drivers a pair of massive hikes in the Boston area.

The proposed hikes would raise tolls at the Weston and Allston-Brighton tollbooths from $1.25 to $2, and double tolls at the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels to $7.

One thing is certain -- money is the root of this debate.

NECN's Brad Puffer has the story in the video player above.