Tens of thousands of cars cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge every day, and they all have to pay a $4, $5 or $6 toll to do so. Those prices are expected to increase over the next two years in two installments. The Washington State Transportation Commission, that sets toll rates, found that a two-stage increase would be the most viable for the bridge and it’s users. The first increase of 25 cents would take place over the summer, and the next during summer 2014. The toll increase is necessary because there are expenses and debt payments to be met. The additions to the tolls are expected to produce enough revenue to keep from digging into the emergency cushion. While the increase has not officially been approved, it is expected to be next month and would be implemented on July 1.
If the projections that the committees and experts are making are not on-par, then the tolls would most likely be reviewed again in a year. Projections in the past have proven to be overly optimistic, largely as a result of the recession.
Are you one of the tens of thousands of people that uses the Tacoma Narrows Bridge each day? If so, what are your thoughts on the increase? Is it necessary or just a nickel and dime scheme?