The statement is interesting coming from an MTA spokesperson, since the agency appears to be doing the least of any in the region to promote or prepare a congestion-busting toll system. The NY State Thruway Authority has undertaken an extensive study of the likely effects of a variable toll scheme at the Tappan Zee Bridge, and charges trucks different rates at different times of day. The Port Authority has recently presented preliminary results for its ongoing look at time-variable toll rates to interested parties, and has made statements indicating it would introduce a peak/off-peak price break in the event of a toll increase.

The MTA, on the other hand, has refused to discuss such issues with anyone, and has pulled back from issuing a consultant contract to examine toll policy issues twice since 1996. The MTA is also the New York toll agency most likely to hike tolls in the near future, because of the expanded transit capital program it has proposed.

The MTA's Kelly told the Advance that variable pricing at the region's toll facilities should be analyzed and implemented on a regional basis. That may be, but it's far from clear that the MTA is helping to foster such an approach. At a number of public meetings, officials from other agencies have all but said inaction at the MTA is dragging regional toll policy down. Governor Pataki's office should check on agency progress in meeting his directive, and ensure the MTA does not approach a toll increase without innovative policy proposals in hand.

- Turnpike's Fresh Approach: Just Do It -

In contrast to other regional agencies' steps toward introducing market principles to road tolls, which range from tentative to non-existent, the NJ Turnpike has announced it will implement variable toll rates when it next hikes fares. The Authority appears to be moving forward without the over-extended period of study, contemplation, release of trial balloons and other back-watching activity characteristic of big public agencies moving onto new policy ground.

Two weeks ago, the Turnpike Authority said it would hike tolls in 2001 and 2003, introducing different toll rates for E-ZPass and cash-paying customers, and a peak/off-peak system in the process. News reports since then have held out the possibility that the first hike could come sooner, in mid-2000.

In the wake of the Turnpike announcement, the sky did not fall. Neither has the earth split. Despite the predictable harvest of motorist grumbling by some reporters, much of the response has ranged from supportive to matter-of-fact. Governor Whitman's chief spokesman, Peter McDonough told reporters that "(Whitman) has long been a supporter of variable pricing. It can be an effective tool to manage traffic flow in one of the most densely populated states." The Packet Group, a chain of 11 NJ local papers, says that paying more for high-demand peak period road space "makes perfect sense." The former editor of the Bergen Record strongly backed the plan in a column earlier this week.