Sharing the burden
One businessman said the hikes will add at least $800 a year to his expenses, which he’ll likely have to transfer to his customers on delivery charges, something he knows will drive customers elsewhere.
Updated 16:21, November the 19th, 2008
Hikes will take toll on Eastie businesses
Turnpike Authority’s plan to raise tunnel prices has many concerned
Businesses in East Boston are concerned the Turnpike Authority’s proposal to hike tolls at the Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels will cost them hundreds of dollars in increased travel costs and also cause customers to avoid their part of town.
“In the long run, it’s going to affect us big time,” said Louie Roberto, manager of Spinelli’s Pasta and Pastry Shop on Bennington Street, which has a popular catering business. “In this economy, with the prices for everything going up, we keep taking hits. Where does it end?”
An owner of Logan Glass Co., on nearby Chelsea Street, said his company does about 40 percent of its business in downtown Boston and he drives through the tunnels six times a day.
“They’re gonna kill us,” the man, who identified himself as Paul, said of the toll increases.
With the Turnpike Authority facing more than $2 billion in debt, its board last week gave preliminary approval to a plan that would charge $3.50 more for passenger cars paying cash and $3 more for those paying with Fast Lane.
Meanwhile, taxis would pay $9 instead of $5.25, while larger commercial vehicles will now pay $3.50 per axle. A four-axle truck that pays $7 now would pay $14.
