Patrick Says He Would Consider I-93 Tolls

Gov. Deval Patrick says he would consider putting tolls on Interstate 93 given the gravity of the state's transportation financing challenges.

The governor said Tuesday he remains interested in erecting toll booths at all Massachusetts border roads. That would include I-93 near Salem, N.H., which would require federal approval.

The governor also says the idea of implanting a chip in motor vehicle inspection stickers would allow for so-called "open road" tolling at highway speeds, but he did not elaborate about where such checkpoints might be erected.

Patrick spoke a day after word that his administration was considering a 27-cent gasoline tax increase.

Patrick says all tax and toll talk must be superseded by a comprehensive transportation reform package.