The Washington State Transportation Commission unanimously voted Monday night to increase toll rates on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge by 50 cents over the next two years.
The vote - which came after public testimony from residents who spoke against the hike - means tolls will go up 25 cents on July 1, then by another 25 cents in 2014.
The rates will be as follow come July 1:
- $4.25 for Good To Go! pass
- $5.25 cash
- $6.25 Pay By Mail
Toll increases will be a part of that, she said.
"This will have to be a cost we all have to plan for the in the future," said Haley, who know lives in Walla Walla.
But that came as little comfort to residents who pleaded with the commission to maintain toll rates.
"Is this toll increase tonight really needed?" asked 26th District Rep. Jan Angel, R-Port Orchard.
The bridge was financed with an escalating debt structure to minimize the initial toll rates and impact on bridge users, according to the state. Debt payments started out low when the bridge opened to traffic in 2007 and are now rising steeply, requiring additional toll revenue each year to pay the escalating obligation. Over the next four fiscal years, debt-service payments grow from $45 million in 2013 to $70 million in 2017.
The commission evaluates several factors during the toll-setting process, including bridge expenses that are paid for by toll revenue, trends in traffic volumes, the schedule for bond payments, ending balances in the toll revenue account, the rate recommendations from the governor-appointed Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee and public input.
But 50 cents a trip over the next two years? Is it too steep to maintain traffic levels? Will it discourage people from crossing? Will it handcuff financially strapped families? Talk about it in the comments below.
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