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Tolls eliminated on Port Mann Bridge & Golden Ears Bridge in B.C.

Started by Chris, August 25, 2017, 04:53:19 PM

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Chris

The tolls will be eliminated on the Port Mann Bridge and the Golden Ears Bridge, effective midnight on September 1:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017PREM0073-001480

QuotePremier Horgan eliminating bridge tolls, making life more affordable

Drivers in the Lower Mainland soon will be paying less to get around as the British Columbia government is eliminating tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges in time for the Labour Day Weekend, Premier John Horgan announced today.

Today's announcement — which will take effect on Friday, Sept. 1 — delivers on the premier's commitment to put an end to the previous government's bridge tolls. It will save families who regularly have to cross the Fraser River an average $1,500 a year. Commercial drivers averaging one crossing a day will save $4,500 a year or more.

Each day, approximately 121,000 vehicles cross the Port Mann Bridge, with another 40,000 vehicles taking the Golden Ears Bridge. In addition to the costs borne by commuters, the tolls increased congestion along other transportation corridors.

Bills for tolls up to and including Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, will still need to be paid. The process for bill payment will remain in place during the transition. The tolling for both bridges will stop at midnight on Aug. 31, 2017.


Media coverage: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/transportation-bc-1.4261972

QuoteTolls to be eliminated on Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges

The B.C. government is getting rid of tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges starting Sept. 1, Premier John Horgan has announced.

Horgan made the announcement in Port Coquitlam on Friday morning, following through on one of the key planks of the NDP election campaign this spring.

The cost of eliminating the tolls is estimated at $132 million this year, according to the province.
Horgan said remaining debt from the Port Mann will be transferred to the provincial debt. It will cost taxpayers an additional $135 million for the next few years to cover lost revenue from the bridge.

Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver immediately slammed the NDP government for the move.

"It's unfortunate that the government has decided to proceed with this reckless policy," Weaver said in a press release.
"There is no question that the affordability crisis facing so many British Columbians is a significant concern. However, this policy is high cost and low impact."

The NDP government is a minority government, it relies on support of the Green Party to achieve a majority.


Alps

Nice! Just a couple of years after my last visit to that area. :(



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