THEY LISTENED TO THE PEOPLE IN HARFORD AND CECIL COUNTIES ON TOLLS!!!

Sept. 16, 2011
From the office of Senator Nancy Jacobs
Minority Leader R-Harford/Cecil

You told the Maryland Transportation Authority Board members your stories that your doctors, your friends, your schools and children’s games are often located across the Hatem Bridge. You told them how times are tight, that people are hurting and it’s no time to raise tolls that could drastically change people’s lives. You showed up in great numbers at the public hearings on toll increases and YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED!

We knew the Board did not want to continue the AVI Decal program despite our pleas. Now, a new MdTA proposal incorporates an alternative idea I submitted idea to create a “Hatem Only” EZ Pass. It will have no cost for the transponder, no deposit, and no administrative fees, and cost only $10 a year for unlimited use over the Hatem. That yearly amount does rise, though, to $20 in 2013. A final yes vote on this new plan is expected next Thursday Sept. 22.

The MdTA has scaled back its original toll increase proposal drastically. The initial proposal in the summer was to implement a Hatem EZ Pass Plan for 36 dollars a year plus fees that brought the first year cost to nearly 100 dollars. It would have risen to over seventy dollars a year in 2013. THIS NEW PLAN IS A REAL VICTORY!
I wanted the Board to keep the AVI Decal, but the Board insisted it’s outdated and dangerous for toll takers when motorists are stranded at the booth if their decal expires. But this new EZ Pass plan which will be available in February is great too! The Decal will also be extended through September of next year. People with boat trailers, horse trailers and RVs will also be happy with changes in the proposed toll plan.

I just want to thank you, my constituents for trusting that it was not a “done deal” and coming out to those hearings. You made the difference!