In The News

Expert: Public-private partnerships could boost toll income

BOSTON — A transportation expert says creating a public-private partnership to run the Massachusetts Turnpike could give the state a sizable sum of upfront money to use on various transportation needs.

Leonard Gilroy of the Reason Foundation of Los Angeles said Wednesday that Chicago got $1.8 billion when it entered into a 99-year lease for the Chicago Skyway. And Indiana got $3.8 billion when it signed a 75-year lease for its toll road.

Both governments then used the money to make transportation improvements elsewhere.

Sen. Steven Baddour kicked off the Statehouse hearing by saying the idea deserved discussion.

But Rep. David Linsky of Natick said leasing the Turnpike wouldn't spare MetroWest residents from a doubling of tolls if it requires the continued existence of toll booths.