South Sound News

Reduced Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll rates to take effect Oct. 1

TACOMA, Wash. — Drivers who take the Tacoma Narrows Bridge will soon see some financial relief.

The Washington State Transportation Committee unanimously passed a proposed toll rate reduction at a public hearing on Tuesday.

Starting Oct. 1, the toll rate for all two-axle vehicles will drop by 75 cents.

The charge for drivers of two-axle vehicles with a Good to Go! Pass will be $4.50.

Drivers of these vehicles who go through a toll booth will be charged $5.50.

For vehicles with three axles or more, a per-axle multiplier will be applied, resulting in a toll rate reduction ranging from $1.15 for three-axle vehicles to $2.25 for vehicles with six or more axles.

Tuesday’s hearing came after state legislators passed a bill earlier this year that transfers funds from the state’s general fund to pay for the remaining costs of constructing the bridge, rather than tolls.

The commission says this proposal was chosen because it provides the greatest immediate benefit to the most people and is consistent with its standard rate-setting process.

About 95% of transactions on the bridge are for two-axle vehicles, according to the commission’s financial analysis.