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04/21/2008

There are few things that the Kennebec Commuter loves more than a good rant. Lately, the most popular one from you, loyal readers, has been about the closure of Interstate 295 and increased traffic on Route 201.

The Maine Turnpike Authority believes it has a solution to get us drivers through this commuting conundrum, and even save money doing it.

The head honchos of the MTA met last Thursday to develop a plan to encourage drivers who would usually use I-295 to avoid Route 201 and commute on the turnpike instead.

The upshot? You can get an E-Z Pass tag for free during the summer construction.

Bruce Pelletier, MTA spokesman, was kind enough to explain the program and how you -- yes, you -- can travel on the pike for cheap this summer.

"From June 15 to October 15, we will waive the fee for the E-Z Pass tag when someone opens a new account for the tolls" on the turnpike, Pelletier said.

Only 3,000 tags (the little box you affix to your windshield) will be issued, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Though geared toward drivers who do not have a tag already, those who have an account can open a separate, second account for another family member if they hope to participate.

On Oct. 15, the tags must be returned to the MTA.

Although you still have to pay the tolls when you travel on the pike, Pelletier said MTA hopes drivers will see the long-term benefits of the plan, not all of them financially-driven.

"Ultimately, what we'd like to do is help motorists get around the construction and avoid (Route) 201, too," Pelletier said.

Signing up for the summer program will save you $26.25, the regular cost of an E-Z Pass tag.

"Only $26.25?" some of you might be crowing. Heck, $26.25 worth of gas keeps the Kennebec Commuter on the road for at least one work week. Not only will the plan save you some green, folks along Route 201 will be saved the headaches of increased traffic.

Pelletier said the MTA anticipates the initiative will be successful.

"We believe that we'll issue all 3,000 tags," he said. "I think it'll work out well for drivers, us, and the (Department of Transportation)."

Want more information? Check out MTA's Web site in the near future to download an E-Z Pass application at www.maineturnpike.com, or call the MTA at 888-682-7277.

Follow Meghan Malloy's commuter blog and track the cheapest gasoline prices in town daily at www.kjonline.com

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