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I just received the following update from ABATE of Maryland. Thanks to all who answered the call!
To All ABATE Members, friends and riders in Maryland: please distribute
This is a LEGISLATIVE ALERT from
ABATE of Maryland, Inc.
Maryland's Toll Increases For Motorcycles Has Been Resolved
January 25, 2008
The Maryland Transportation Authority's "Cost Recovery Initiative", that would significantly raise the tolls for vehicles with 3 or more axles, including motorcycles with a sidecar or trailer, has been amended to exclude all motorcycles. Thanks to intense lobbying efforts from ABATE of Maryland, Inc and a large response of comments from the motorcycling community, all motorcycles utilizing any of Maryland's toll facilities will be charged as a two axle vehicle. This resolution was finalized at a meeting this past week with the MdTA, MDOT & the Governor's staff, and confirmed on Friday (1/23) during a conference call with the Secretary of Transportation; his Chief of Staff ; Ron Freeland, Executive Administrator for the MdTA; and ABATE of Maryland's State Director, Neal Ackerson.
An overview of the resolution is outlined below, as there is a minor restriction:
- All motorcycles, whether with sidecar/ trailer or not, will be charged as a 2 axle vehicles.
-All motorcycles MUST use the "Cash Lanes" at the toll facilities. Basically, a manned toll booth, so the system can be overridden to allow the motorcycle to be charged at the new rate.
- Motorcycles with sidecars & trailers using the EZ Pass lanes will continue to be charged at the 3 axle rate. This is the minor restriction we will need to follow.
That's it. A full exemption to the MdTA's toll increases.
This exemption will become effective before the full proposal's effective date of April 15, 2009, but no implementation date has been set as of this date. ABATE has strongly requested that the MdTA must provide adequate signage prior to the toll plaza's to alert the motorcycles of the appropriate lanes to use.
This resolution still must still be voted on and recorded into the minutes at the MdTA's meeting this Thursday, January 29th. ABATE of Maryland will be in attendance at this meeting to verify that this resolution is as confirmed by the Secretary of Transportation and the Governor's staff. All MdTA Board members have been consulted on this matter and are in agreement. But just in case, ABATE will be there.
During our conference call with the Secretary's office and in subsequent conversations with ABATE Executive Board members, we have been asked to "Call the dogs off!". We have told them we will put the dogs back on their leashes.
That said, at this time and at the pleading of the MdTA, ABATE would like to state that it is not necessary to attend the public meeting this Thursday. The MdTA still has their hands full of other complaints that this initiative has created and will be addressing them at the meeting. Again, ABATE will be in attendance on behalf of the motorcycle riders in Maryland.
ABATE of Maryland will immediately open communications with the facilitators of the EZ Pass System to negotiate a discount for the motorcycle users of their systems, much like ABATE of Pennsylvania successfully did for their state. ABATE will continue to keep all of our members updated as thing progress on that issue.
GREAT JOB to every rider out there that stood up for protecting your right to ride in the state of Maryland. This is what ABATE does do, and has done for over 35 years for the Maryland motorcycle rider. If you are not a member, you need to be.
Help us help you!
Members Make It Happen.
Ride Safe / Be Free
Neal Ackerson
State Director
ABATE of Maryland, Inc.
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