Truckers React to Turnpike Plans

5/21/2008 8:24:29 PM

A leading trucker organization in the state is speaking out against leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike. They say the deal isn't in the best interest of Pennsylvanians and area trucking companies agree.

Officials with Ward Trucking in Altoona don't like either of the big plans to fund transportation in the commonwealth.

William Ward Sr. says leasing the turnpike and increasing tolls and putting new tolls on Interstate 80 is going to drive their costs up again, and they'll have to pass those costs on to consumers.

He says it's also not fair to pin all the responsibility for fixing the state infrastructure solely on the people who use those two major highways.

Ward also feels like a 75 year deal is much too long, because no one knows what transportation needs will be that far in the future.

He says on top of passing costs onto consumers drivers will take other roads, like Route 22, to avoid toll extra tolls. That will put a lot more trucks on the road and pulled off on the side of the road because there are no rest stops. Ward says that's dangerous, but it's something they'll have to do.

Governor Ed Rendell says the 12.8 billion dollar lease of the turnpike is designed to provide funding for much needed highway and bridge repairs, as well as for mass transit.

The turnpike privatization plan still has to be approved by the state general assembly, where it faces some strong opposition.