Projo Biz Blog

By Bruce Landis
Journal Staff Writer

JAMESTOWN, R.I. --- The state Turnpike and Bridge Authority Wednesday morning increased the tolls on the Pell Bridge to $4 for out-of-state drivers and for those paying cash, and to $1 per axle for commercial vehicles.

It also laid out a plan for regular toll increases in the future.

Officials had said a toll increase was unavoidable because the toll revenue the authority relies on has been falling short of the costs of repairing the Pell Bridge, where the tolls are collected, and the Mount Hope Bridge, which is free.

The action was no surprise, and it has generated little controversy because of its limited effect on Rhode Islanders other than those who pay cash and or drive commercial vehicles across the bridge.

The increase won't affect Rhode Island residents with E-ZPass transponders. They will continue to pay 83 cents per crossing. The rates for commuters using E-ZPass, the authority's electronic toll collection system, will also stay the same.

However, the cash toll will double, from $2 to $4 per crossing, and the the toll for non-Rhode Island E-ZPass holders will rise from $1.75 to $4 per crossing. Tolls for commercial vehicles will increase by $1 per axle, a change that has brought complaints from local businessmen who must use the bridge regularly.

Officials have said the toll hikes could go into effect Sept. 8.

The board said it expects to raise tolls regularly, perhaps every three years, depending on its repair and maintenance expenses. The increases would be based on the Consumer Price Index, an index of construction costs, or other inflation indicators.

The authority's chairman, David Darlington, had told the public at hearings on the toll hike that the question wasn't whether to have an increase, but when. "A rate increase is inevitable, whether we do it now or in the future," he said at one hearing in July.

The authority's consultants have estimated that if it goes ahead with needed repairs for the bridges without raising tolls, it will fall $223 million short by 2027.

 Tags  Jamestown RI Pell Bridge Turnpike and Bridge Authority

Comments

E said:

increasing the fee for residence and forcing them to get the e-z pass is financial strong arming the community. The toll should have never been removed from the Mt. Hope bridge, at that time they said the Newport Bridge Toll covered the upkeep on both bridges. So what changed? The same thing that changed all over america, They need more $$$$$, so we pay!!!!

Link | September 9, 2009 10:25 AM
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