Gov. Patrick has plan for electronic toll system

WESTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is pushing for a plan that would replace toll takers with an electronic system.

“We've been looking at it for some time. I think we think we have a pretty good plan coming together. And I think it’s gonna save us some money and above all make the commute and the use of the Pike more convenient for people,” said Gov. Patrick.

The plan would be phased in over the next few years and hundreds of jobs would slowly disappear.

“This isn't about the toll takers. It’s about having as modern a system and efficient a transportation system as possible. We will make as dignified and soft a landing for those people as possible but this is the direction we ought to move in,” said Gov. Patrick.

Here's how it would work: anyone without an EZ pass transponder would have their license plate photographed and then that person would get a bill in the mail.

“I think it’s smart. It’s easier to go through and it saves money, so I would agree with it,” said a Boston resident.

But other drivers say eliminating those jobs is a bad idea.

“I would say that more jobs are generally a better thing,” said a local woman.

“I have the EZ pass. I'm a big time commuter going back and forth going to where I work. But my heart goes out to them as far as it’s their jobs. Computers can't do everything,” said another resident.

It will cost about $100 million, but Gov. Patrick said the new system would pay for itself within three years.