Turnpike and Bridge Authority To Hold Toll Workshops This Saturday

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will hold two bridge toll workshops this Saturday at the Roger Williams University Conference Center, reports The Sakonnet Times. 

The first workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The second workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. 

All residents are encouraged to attend these meetings. 

Additionally, the RITBA will host a virtual meeting and video conference on Google Plus athttp://bit.ly/WYxwGh from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as another avenue for residents to discuss details with RITBA officials.  “As we have done in the past when considering new tolls or increasing existing tolls, we would like the public to have the opportunity to provide their input about tolling and the types of discounts to be offered, and to learn how the board determines the rates based on financial need.”             

The workshop will be casual, with no formal speaking program or presentation.  Darlington said tolling will likely begin in July, subject to approval by the Federal Highway Administration of the modified EIS submitted in January.  RITBA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. of New York, N.Y., to complete a toll rate study. 

The report is posted on www.ritba.org and the most likely tolling scenarios will be posted on presentation boards for review. Each of the scenarios developed by Jacobs includes reduced rates available for those who qualify for and own R.I. E-ZPass transponders. 

“The RITBA board will strive to set tolls that provide discounts for commuters with R.I. E-ZPass transponders while at the same time provide sufficient revenue to support the operations, maintenance and capital improvement requirements of the new four-bridge system,” said Darlington.