Representative Joseph P. Sullivan, co-chairman of the legislature's transportation committee, did not return calls by press time, but he reportedly called for a look at the possibility of a gas tax increase and restructuring the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority's toll to pay for the cost overruns.

The Turnpike Authority has already raised the issue of increasing tolls starting in January but Sullivan would like to see the tolls restructured with discount programs. Other suggestions include raising the fees during peak periods and charging for use of the Central Artery. At recent public hearings on toll hikes, the public opposition was clear, but the recognition that the Authority does not have many other options is also increasingly evident. Recent estimates have raised the cost of the project by $100 million.

A gas tax, which was reportedly approved by Richard Dimino, president of the Artery Business Committee, of one cent per gallon could raise approximately $30 million a year. Because of the recent reduction in gas prices, legislators reportedly feel that now could be the right time to raise the gas tax.