City Councilors engaged in an extended debate over congestion tolling and potential toll revenues as a response to traffic and infrastructure needs, but they split on whether the city should actively pursue toll implementation.

A motion that would have directed the city to pursue a coordinated effort (in collaboration with the mayor and regional stakeholders) to implement tolls as a revenue mechanism was put to the council and failed. Several councilors warned that the city could receive little net revenue if the state retains most tolls and cautioned the council about opening a broader policy debate.

Separately, councilors approved a motion asking the mayor to begin discussions with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) about tolls that affect Revere and the city’s infrastructure. Councilors described possible designs discussed in the meeting: reduced or exempted tolls for Revere residents, small per-vehicle charges aimed primarily at drivers cutting through the city, and coordination with neighboring municipalities. At least one councilor cited examples of congestion pricing elsewhere and suggested limited exemptions for Revere residents; another councilor said the state would likely retain the bulk of any toll revenue.

Councilors exchanged differing views about fairness and practicality. Supporters argued toll revenue could be a tool to raise funding for local transportation infrastructure and reduce through-traffic; critics said tolls could shift costs to residents and were unlikely to generate the revenue needed for major projects if the state retained most receipts.

The council ultimately approved a motion asking the mayor to open talks with MassDOT about existing tolls and their local impacts, and it also approved a separate motion requesting that the mayor seek a reduced toll rate or discount option for Revere residents. The council did not commit to implementing a toll program itself; the earlier, broader motion to pursue toll implementation failed, leaving the matter at the level of study and intergovernmental discussion.