More recently, MdTA is having a Finance Committee meeting today to hear proposals about how to
increase revenue by $88 million (the article says $70M, but it's been tweeted since then that they're now looking at $88M). One of the proposals to come out of it will
increase Bay Bridge tolls to $5 later this fall, and to $8 on New Year's 2013. This basically represents a doubling and tripling, respectively, of today's toll which is $2.50.
A related proposal would effectively
eliminate the Hatem Bridge decal system for local residents/commuters. Currently they can buy a decal for $10/yr for unlimited use. The proposal eliminates that and requires them to get an EZPass (if they don't have one already) and pay $36/yr for unlimited Hatem Bridge use.
The revenue increase is intended to address the agency's bond status and also for increased maintenance.
The full proposal will have to go through a series of public hearings, but approval from the Maryland General Assembly is not required.