New 331 Bridge-- toll???

[klauricella]

Is it true there will be a toll on the new 331 Bridge?? That will really stink when you have to travel on it for work:blink:. I wonder if they give some sort of discount for residents??

[Sun biz]

It was one of the scenarios presented to the Transportation Authority awhile back, but since the new bridge isn't even funded yet, I wouldn't purchase a Sun Pass just yet.
I think a lot of issues would have to be resolved before a toll bridge would be considered. Whether it would help or hinder the process of getting 331 completely 4-laned remains TBD.

[John R]

new bridge?:floor:

[kurt]

It seems all new bridges of any length are toll bridges. Environmental requirements call for pilings all the way across the bay instead of a causeway like exists now. This boosts the cost into the stratosphere. I don't know if 2 new spans are needed or if the old causeway can be used or would be removed or partially removed.

Some have suggested sarcastically that the toll would cost more heading south.

[scooterbug44]

Other states already charge different tolls for people who have the transponder and those who don't, so it shafts infrequent or non-local users. Last time I checked Illinois charges 2x the toll for cash versus their I-Pass system, (which is available for purchase to out-of-state residents).

IMO, it's rather rude to force the workforce over the bridge w/ high living costs, then charge them to drive to work!

[John R]

force?

[sowalgayboi]

Other states already charge different tolls for people who have the transponder and those who don't, so it shafts infrequent or non-local users. Last time I checked Illinois charges 2x the toll for cash versus their I-Pass system, (which is available for purchase to out-of-state residents).

IMO, it's rather rude to force the workforce over the bridge w/ high living costs, then charge them to drive to work!

It is higher for the cash payers due to staffing of the booths. It's a lot cheaper for the transponders and receivers. ;-)

[scooterbug44]

Good argument except they kept the current (staffed and automated) prices for the transponders and just doubled it for cash. Not all the cash booths are staffed, some are the same old automated ones.

[ASH]

Then when the county really needs a pile of money, they can just call for an emergency evacuation.
:funn:

[scooterbug44]

Aren't tolls free during an evacuation? :idontno:

[beachmouse]

They can be for an indefinite period of time when there is a declared state of emergency. Which was a couple of weeks for the Mid-Bay Bridge after Ivan until they got 98 across Okaloosa Island passable again.

[ASH]

I could just see that Blazing Saddles clip with the toll booth in the desert. "Someone's got to ride back to town and bring back a sheetload of dimes..." :funn:
I tried to find it on youtube and it wasn't there or I woulda posted it.

[sowalgayboi]

I could just see that Blazing Saddles clip with the toll booth in the desert. "Someone's got to ride back to town and bring back a sheetload of dimes..." :funn:
I tried to find it on youtube and it wasn't there or I woulda posted it.

Good luck finding a toll booth that costs a dime. :blink:

[ShallowsNole]

The Mid-Bay toll was either $1.00 or $1.50 when it started out, but then it went up to $2.50. I think I pay $1.50 now with SunPass. I would rather :our: bridge not be a toll bridge, and I think the idea has merely been tossed around, but I can see it happening.

I know that my family growls at me when I go through the SunPass lane and the 'Low Bal' light comes on ("god, Mom, now everybody knows you don't have any money!"). :roll::lol:

[sowalgayboi]

The Mid-Bay toll was either $1.00 or $1.50 when it started out, but then it went up to $2.50. I think I pay $1.50 now with SunPass. I would rather :our: bridge not be a toll bridge, and I think the idea has merely been tossed around, but I can see it happening.

I know that my family growls at me when I go through the SunPass lane and the 'Low Bal' light comes on ("god, Mom, now everybody knows you don't have any money!"). :roll::lol:

Still better than the no bal buzzer and those flash bulbs behind you. ;-)