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Combined Highway, Rail Pass Coming?

Plan Would Combine Turnpike, Charlie Cards

POSTED: 6:54 am EST February 26, 2008
UPDATED: 7:02 am EST February 26, 2008

Boston-area commuters may soon be able to pay their tolls, park their cars or hop on the MBTA, all using one card.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that the idea could be seen as the Charlie Card marrying the Fast Lane transponder to create one commuter pass that would cover all transportation fees.

It's a big idea that requires a tech-savvy company that could develop a system for electronically linking the turnpike with the MBTA and government -run parking garages.

The Boston Herald reported that the turnpike authority is now accepting bids from firms interested in the job.

On the proposal table right now is one pass that would allow commuters to use the Charlie Card to pay tolls and ride the T. All fees would come directly out of users' bank accounts.

It appears like the new turnpike boss just wants more flexibility for commuters. He has also talked about prepaid toll passes, and making it so families can share one Fast Lane transponder.

The Turnpike Authority should learn in about a month if any of the proposals are possible.

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