In the face of opposition from the new governor the Massachusetts Turnpike board will not pursue former Governor Romney's de-tolling plan.

The plan has been largely discredited by statements from Romney appointees after the election that the state gas tax should be raised to compensate for lost toll revenues.

Before the election the plan was presented as a standalone scheme.

The gas tax is far less popular than tolls. TOLLROADSnews 2007-02-05

ADDITION:

Following a meeting Feb 6 between new transport sec Bernard Cohen and turnpike chairman John Cogliano it has been announced officially the Turnpike won't pursue the Romney de-toll plan.

Cohen is quoted: "They understand they needed our support and approval. We made it very clear that this was not going to happen."

The Turnpike spent over $600k on consultants, mostly lawyers, working on the proposal, which was sprung just before the election. It apparently won few votes for the Republicans who lost in a landslide. TOLLROADSnews 2007-02-07