FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The Turnpike Authority will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30 P.M. in Nevins Hall at the Framingham Memorial Building at 150 Concord Street, giving the people from MetroWest an opportunity to state their opinions regarding how the toll hike will impact them.

The toll hike that was approved 4 to 1 by the Turnpike board on November 14 would increase tolls to $2 for cash users and to $1.50 for Fastlane users at both the Route 128 and Allston Brighton toll plazas. On top of the tolls paid west of Route 128, a MetroWest driver will be paying $8 or $6 round-trip to Boston.

The board is scheduled to make a final vote on the hike on January 15, 2009. Attend Wednesday's hearing and speak your mind with the hope of convincing board members to rethink their votes.

A similar hearing was held in Boston on the 10th, and the residents of East Boston came in large numbers and were quite compelling. MetroWest has an opportunity for a strong voice as well.

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