A $2.75 toll for Good To Go! customers and a $4.00 toll for cash payers beginning July 1 is the recommendation the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) will make to the State Transportation Commission, according to a statement released today.
The eight-member committee met several times over the last two weeks to analyze traffic data and revenue forecasts. Those deliberations focused on keeping a discount for electronic toll users, while still ensuring sufficient revenue to meet the financial obligations associated with the bridge and toll operations. The advisory committee’s recommendations will be presented to the Washington Transportation Commission on March 19.
The Commission must consider the CAC recommendations in determining the toll rates for the bridge. The Commission will release its official toll proposal on April 7 for public review. There will be a public input meeting on May 20 from 6-8 p.m. at The Inn at Gig Harbor, 3211 56th Street NW. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting and offer comments on the toll proposal. The Commission then will hold a final hearing on May 27 at the same time and location, where it will take additional public comment and adopt the final toll rates for the bridge. The adopted toll rates will be effective from July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009.
Since the CAC has concluded its deliberations, the public meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 6 has been canceled.
For more information on Washington State tolling and data on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll program visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Operations/Tolling .