consolidation

There's value in retaining local or regional toll authorities, and doubtful validity to claims that consolidation into a state toller will bring increased efficiencies - according to a Reason Foundation paper by Robert Poole and Daryl Fleming.

Electronic Transaction Consultants Corp (ETC) the Dallas TX based toll systems and services provider is being considered for purchase by Xerox/ACS and by Kapsch, according to several toll industry sources. None of those involved want to be quoted.

The Orlando and Tampa tollers see themselves as in a fight for their survival in the state legislature against a hostile takeover move by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE). A bill moving successfully through the state Senate (SB7198) threatens to kill the long established regional toll authorities in Orlando and Tampa.

Mary Z Connaughton, former Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board member and an accountant by profession says folding the Turnpike into a new state department of transportation as "reform" is a flop. She notes in a column she has just written - published in MetroWest Daily News Dec 13 - that claims before the merger of a $6.5b saving over 20 years are now being downplayed by the Patrick administration.

The siren song of economies of consolidation is now being heard in Maine. Governor John Baldacci (Dem) is having staff look at the ramifications of turning operations of the state Turnpike over to the state DOT, retaining the Maine Turnpike Authority as a state financing agency only.