A Hobson's choice is to take what is offered or nothing at all. The choice being offered by Gov. Ed Rendell for fixing a deteriorated transportation system is to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike or pursue the plan enacted last year as Act 44, which would toll Interstate 80 for the first time.

This is a choice between an option that is irresponsible and unacceptable and one that is sensible and unavoidable. Unfortunately, it is the risky option -- leasing the turnpike -- that is rolling down the road at full throttle.

Last week the Rendell administration announced that a Spanish consortium, Abertis Infraestructuras, has bid $12.8 billion to operate and maintain the turnpike for 75 years. The group beat out two organizations with Australian connections that bid $12.1 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively.

With no sign-off yet from the federal government on tolling I-80, Mr. Rendell would like the Legislature to approve the turnpike lease by June 20. Although he realizes that is unlikely because of the deal's complexity, his fallback is for lawmakers to act in September after they return from summer recess. But even that is too hasty. The first priority should be to get the feds to endorse I-80 tolling.

Many who live near the interstate oppose this plan, but it makes the most sense. In January when tolls rise 25 percent on the turnpike, it is likely that some traffic will flee north, making the highway more crowded and less convenient for locals. It makes no sense to give a free ride to long-haul trucks passing through Pennsylvania.

While initial estimates suggest tolling I-80 would bring less money to state coffers each year than leasing the turnpike, Pennsylvania would be giving up a plan whose revenue to the state would grow over time with one that doesn't. In addition, the public interest in retaining the turnpike is bigger than both annual estimates.

It's not that the Spanish outfit lacks expertise and it's not that it is foreign. It's not that the political animal that is the turnpike commission should be exempt from a shake-up.

No, what should be a concern to motorists is how a for-profit entity intends to milk this old cash cow. Whatever economies it can make, whatever concessions it can wring from organized labor, it will still be free to raise tolls every year after the 25 percent increase on Jan. 1.

True, annual toll hikes would be limited to 2.5 percent or the rise in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater. If the operator chooses to raise tolls every year, it will seem like a form of water torture over 75 years, a repeated irritation to the public.

Governments shouldn't sell their core responsibilities to the highest bidder. Trading away assets has the potential over the long haul to hurt the public. First a turnpike, then maybe a key city road or bridge.

Where should it end? Right now -- before Pennsylvania goes further down this road.