TACOMA, Wash. — It could soon cost commuters another 50 cents to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Quick Facts:
- Washington State Transportation Commission will vote Wednesday night
- Increase of 50 cents expected to pass
- Rate hike would take effect in July, with another 50 cents next July
- Hikes needed to pay for debt on new bridge
The Washington State Transportation Commission will vote Wednesday night whether to hike the toll rates.
The increase is expected to pass and take effect July 1 along with another 50 cent hike next July.
The commission says the hikes are needed to pay the escalating debt on the new bridge.
When the new bridge opened nearly eight years ago, the funding was structured so that the debt payment would go up incrementally every year.
This year the debt payment is $54 million. Next year, it goes up to $62 million, then $70 million the year after.
The revenue from the tolls was expected to pay the annual debt to keep the tolls steady, but revenue has been lower than originally projected.
Drivers who cross the bridge say they are already feeling the effects of the expensive tolls.
"It's starting to get a little ridiculous. There will be a point where people can't afford to cross the bridge,” said one driver.
The Transportation Commission will vote on the proposal which will take the current toll with a Good To Go Pass from $4.50 to $5 and then add another 50 cents next July, making it $6 to cross the Narrows.
The bridge won't be paid off until 2030.
KIRO
