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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 63 Fact Book / Doing Business in Maine B U S I N E S S R E S O U R C E S works," but the truth is that it works because Mainers show up every day with incredible dedication. MB: As many states move toward fully automated or AI driven tolling systems, what reinforces the value of keeping people in our toll booths? AB: e Turnpike's reliability comes from the people who work here — and that absolutely includes our toll collectors. All-electronic tolling is less financially efficient than our hybrid system because its collec- tion rates are demonstrably lower in every state and system that's gone down this path. is approach also makes [electronic] systems more vulnerable to cyber intrusions and disruptions. It's easy to assume that tolling is something that can be fully automated without consequence, but when you see this opera- tion up close, you understand the value our people bring to fulfilling our mission every day. MB: What have you learned about the safety chal- lenges on a high-volume corridor like the Turnpike, especially when it comes to incident response? AB: Protecting drivers has always been central to our mission, but looking ahead, we also need to think more intentionally about protecting the emergency respond- ers and highway workers who operate around the Turnpike every day. Across the country — and here in Maine — we're seeing more incidents where State Police cruisers are hit on the roadside and work zone crashes are taking lives. at's a trend we take seriously. In my first year, one of the most powerful — but also most difficult — experiences was sponsoring LD 1457, which would allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to pilot automated speed control systems in work zones. e bill came directly from an alarm- ing reality — work zone crashes are increasing, and the people building and maintaining our roads are being struck at unacceptable rates. is isn't a policy debate to me — it's a safety imperative. What surprised me was even with data showing people being killed and cars excessively speeding, this common-sense proposal that has been adopted in 24 other states has proven frustratingly difficult to pass. I've found myself navigating committee hearings, amendments and privacy concerns that don't reflect the actual intent or effects of the bill. Each delay has real- world consequences. But no matter how long it takes, we will keep educating people on the need for it and we will keep advancing it in the legislature with like- minded allies and sponsors. MB: What are some common misconceptions you've had to address since stepping into your cur- rent role? AB: e biggest misconception is that the Maine Turnpike uses taxpayer dollars. We are fully user funded. In fact, we help reduce the financial burden on the state by covering costs that would otherwise fall to taxpayers — such as contributing to the salary and operations of State Police Troop G and donating 5% of all of our revenues to state DOT projects. Another common misconception is that the state would save money by merging Maine DOT and the Turnpike, when exactly the opposite would be true. e Maine Legislature has recognized this reality time and time again over our nearly 80-year history. Without a self-sufficient MTA, the gas tax would need to almost double and huge amounts of state highway funding would have to be diverted to take care of I-95. is would negatively impact north- ern, western, and rural parts of our state, and make everything worse very, very quickly. MB: What guiding principle or lesson will shape the way you lead in the years ahead? AB: "We Serve Maine" isn't just a slogan — it's a respon- sibility. Living it out every day means remembering who depends on this road: families traveling for school or medical appointments, workers commuting at dawn, truckers moving the goods that keep our economy run- ning, and visitors experiencing Maine for the first time. It also means being a good steward of the system we've inherited. e Turnpike exists because generations before us built it with care and foresight. "We Serve Maine" is about honoring that legacy by making long term decisions that will benefit the state for decades. 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