Airport cabs must use transponders

BOSTON. Starting June 2, Boston taxi drivers traveling through the Boston Harbor Tunnels to and from Logan Airport will be forced to use Fast Lane transponders at toll plazas or risk receiving citations, as part of effort announced Thursday by state transportation officials to ease traffic and provide smoother rides for customers.

The move is part of a crackdown to enforce a statute in place since 2006. Police will be at tolls issuing citations to drivers of Boston-licensed taxis who pay with cash.

Violations will range from a “stern warning” to the loss of a driver’s Hackney license for up to five days. State officials said they are confident the risk of losing their Hackney license for only one day will be enough to gain acquiescence from drivers and owners.

Taxi drivers and owners have been informed of the impending enforcement through fliers and letters sent to representatives of the industry. A kiosk has been installed at the Logan Airport taxi pool for drivers to acquire the transponders and to open and add cash to Fast Lane accounts. 

There is no timetable set for the crackdown but a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Transportation said, “Officers will be consistent in citing cabs until compliance is achieved.”