Quote:
Originally Posted by M/V_Bear_II
Unless you're commuting from Concord to Nashua 3 times a day, I don't see how anyone would benefit from losing the discount but having the monthly bill capped. This is an idiotic plan.
|
I'd love to see the state provide some statistics on how many 'frequent users' there are on the turnpike system and what their average monthly bill is. I am one of them. Commute from Rochester to MA. Not 52 weeks a year, as I am a college prof. But about 35 weeks. My daily tolls before any discount are $6. With the 30% discount that is about $84 per month. And that is not counting trips to the mall in Newington, to Portsmouth, to visit my mom & mom-in-law in MA, etc. How many other 'businesses' reward frequent users? Airlines for one. Restaurants for two. One of our favorites in Dover has their own frequent diner program....you accrue 5% of your total bill in points that can be redeemed for meals, take-out party platters, etc. I get more 'free' stuff than does the guy that goes there occasionally. Isn't that fair? Many of the independent restaurants in the seacoast region are part of the FIRA Card program where you can likewise redeem 'points' for meals. Sure, I could try to find a similar job in NH, as could any frequent commuter. But would we earn the same income? Likely not. Thus, there would be less discretionary spending at NH businesses. I buy nothing in MA. Not sure my gas station would like losing my business, not to mention my auto mechanic! Not sure $30 is the right 'cap' amount but it is nice to see Lynch taking a stand on something...anything!