The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended a rate for the new photo tolling that will be provided as a new option for drivers on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

“We recommend that the photo toll rate be set at $7 for Tacoma Narrows Bridge drivers,” said CAC Vice Chairman Chris Myers. “After some operational experience we can look into bringing the rate down.”

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) proposed the new electronic tolling option to coincide with the planned start of electronic tolling on SR 520 next spring. The CAC agreed that the new option also would benefit Narrows Bridge drivers who do not have a ‘Good to Go!’ pass but were concerned about its effect on revenue. The new option will not affect current Good to Go! account holders and will not change the current cash rate.

The eight-member governor-appointed committee met four times during the past seven weeks to analyze proposed rates, fees and payment methods for photo tolling. The committee reached a decision during the final public meeting held in Gig Harbor Nov. 17.

The state Transportation Commission will consider the CAC recommendation when they meet mid-December to discuss and propose a rule on photo tolling. The commission plans to publish its proposal in December and hold a public input meeting Jan. 19 and a public hearing Jan. 25.

For more information about the Transportation Commission, visit http://www.wstc.wa.gov/ .

Previous CAC meeting materials are available online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/TNBTolling/CitizenAdvisoryCommittee .

For more information about Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolling, visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/tolling/ .