Projo Biz Blog

Journal photo/ John Freidah
Toll collector Carisa Daniels explains to a driver where and how they can obtain an E-ZPass.

By Alex Kuffner
Journal Staff Writer

JAMESTOWN - Only a handful of motorists crossing the Pell Bridge on Tuesday were confused by the new $4 in cash toll, up from $2, that took effect at 6:45 a.m.

Those who didn't have the $4 picked up a voucher and are required to mail the payment to the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority.

"It's going very well for the first day. We are trying to be as user-friendly as possible," said Earl J. "Buddy" Croft III, executive director of the authority.

Your Turn: React to the toll change on the Pell bridge

New signage was put up at the entrance to the toll booths to inform motorists of the toll. There was little congestion or backups reported at 9 a.m. at the toll booths.

The toll hike is the first in 40 years on the Pell Bridge that connects Jamestown to Newport. The increase will be used for bridge repairs.

While the cash toll was doubled to $4, Rhode Island residents with E-ZPass transponders will continue to pay 83 cents per crossing. The rates for other commuters using E-ZPass, the authority's electronic toll collection system, will also stay the same at 91 cents.

Tolls for commercial vehicles will increase by $1 per axle, a change that has brought complaints from local businessmen whose trucks must use the bridge regularly

 Tags  Pell Bridge Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority

Comments

justmythoughts said:

I guess the drop in visitors (due to economy), gas prices and Newport businesses suffering because of would be enough. Just add one more expense to the trip. Way to go R.I.

Link | September 8, 2009 9:56 AM
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