Turnpike Authority defends using toll money to pay off debt

WOBURN, Mass. -- Thousands of commuters are taking on the Turnpike Authority, claiming they are bearing the brunt of costs for the Big Dig.

Attorney Jan Schlictmann presented their case in Middlesex Superior Court Wednesday, saying the Turnpike Authority has been using toll revenue to pay off debt.

Schlictmann asked for an emergency restraining order to stop the Turnpike Authority from using the funds for that purpose.

There are more than 2,000 toll payers who have attached their names to this lawsuit.

The judge put off ruling on the order until August.

Schlictmann said the Transportation Reform Bill that was just passed clearly states that using the money for anything other than the toll roads is wrong.

The Turnpike Authority claims they are within the law.

Schlictmann said toll inequity has cost toll payers close to half a billion dollars during the last three years.

“Toll payers want to be treated fairly. Toll payers are willing to shoulder their fair burden for the cost of using the limited access highways, the Turnpike. They’re willing to do that, but it’s unfair and wrong for they to be asked to shoulder the burden of paying for the sins of the Big Dig,” said Jan Schlictmann, the lawyer representing the toll payers.

Attorneys for the Turnpike Authority said they don’t believe this case has any merit and believe this case will be dismissed.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)