The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Transportation Secretary and Governor Patrick have launched a Test Pilot Program for Mass Pike Transponder distribution.

Five of our dealerships will be participating in this Pilot Program.

Those five Herb Chambers dealerships are:

Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn
809 Washington Street
Auburn, Massachusetts 01501

Need help finding Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn? Simply click here to view Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn on Google Maps, where you can easily print our driving directions.

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Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston
32 Brighton Ave
Boston, Massachusetts 02134

Need help finding Toyota of Boston?   Simply click here to view Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston on Google Maps, where you can easily print our driving directions.

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Herb Chambers Honda of Boston
1186 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02134

Need help finding our dealership? Simply click here to view Herb Chambers Honda of Boston on Google Maps, where you can easily print our driving directions.

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Chambers Motorcars of Boston
259 McGrath Highway
Somerville, Massachusetts 02145

Need help finding Chambers Motorcars of Boston? Simply click here to view Chambers Motorcars of Boston on Google Maps, where you can easily print our driving directions.

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Herb Chambers Lexus
25 Providence Highway
Sharon, Massachusetts 02067

Need help finding our dealership? Simply click here to view Herb Chambers Lexus on Google Maps, where you can easily print our driving directions

April 22, 2009

BOSTON –There’s now no financial reason not to get a Massachusetts Turnpike Fast Lane transponder and avoid paying cash at a toll booth.

The Pike’s board of directors voted unanimously Wednesday to give drivers free transponders. They’ve long been sold for $29.95, but the board voted earlier this year to replace that upfront cost with a 50-cent monthly usage fee.

Huge traffic backups over Easter prompted Pike officials to examine better ways to lessen congestion at toll booths. They decided eliminating any charge for a transponder would remove any remaining barrier for drivers to get one.

Agency officials also announced the backups had prompted them to cancel planned layoffs of 50 toll collectors. They have already lost an equivalent number through attrition. 

Courtesy of:  WICKED LOCAL

By Staff reports
Fri May 08, 2009, 07:58 AM EDT

Saugus – Massachusetts Turnpike Authority officials are reminding motorists to monitor traffic conditions and plan ahead as the high traffic volume season begins on Thursdays and Fridays prior to spring and summer weekends.

In 2008 the Thursday and Friday before Mother’s Day weekend logged in the top 25 highest traffic volume days out of 365 days on the Turnpike and on I-93 in Boston. Mother’s Day was the fourth busiest traveled Sunday on both highways in 2008 with peak travel hours between 4-7 pm. Last year the third Thursday, Friday and Sunday in May were even higher volume days with that Sunday ranking as the busiest on I-93 in Boston. This May, graduations, sporting events such as the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins play-offs and the departures of college students all add to increased travel.

Motorists should allow extra travel time. Pay close attention to conditions at the busy I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge. Other interchanges are also expected to see heavy volume. It is recommended that drivers check radio traffic reports, call the 511 state traffic information line, or check www.masspike.com and its expanded Road Conditions page and Traffic Cameras page to monitor real-time traffic conditions.

The Turnpike toll plazas will be staffed to minimize traffic delays and inconvenience. Toll managers will be on hand to monitor traffic conditions and to call in extra help if necessary. Despite full staffing levels, traffic conditions at the toll plazas can be impacted by shear volume, weather conditions, accidents and traffic issues on adjoining roadways.

To help improve traffic flow, Turnpike officials have enhanced enforcement approaching the FAST LANE lanes at the I-90 (MassPike) Eastbound toll plaza near I-95 (Route 128). All cash lane customers are advised to keep right. Barrels and cones have been placed between the FAST LANES and the cash lanes. Also an assigned state trooper enforces the lane restrictions. Cash customers who go through a FAST LANE are subject to a $50 FAST LANE violation.

To save time, money and gas, motorists are encouraged to join FAST LANE. Since the free transponder program began in mid-February more than 62,000 transponders have been distributed.

Free transponders are available instantly at FAST LANE Service Centers in Auburn, Natick, and East Boston. Weekend commuters can conveniently pull off the road in Auburn at Exit 10 (9 am to 2 pm) and Natick (Saturday only) next to the McDonalds to pick up a free transponder on the spot. FAST LANE transponder applications are also available online or by calling 1-877-MASSPIKE (1-877-627-7745). FAST LANE is also available for non-commercial accounts at many Registry of Motor Vehicle branch offices and now at Herb Chambers Dealership locations.

Sign up for e-Traveler at www.masspike.com to receive up-to-date emails regarding traffic changes and road restrictions.