The full toll on the new Port Mann Bridge went into effect on Wednesday, an expense that will likely convince many drivers to increasingly seek alternative crossings of the Fraser River.
Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation predicts that drivers of cars, trucks and SUVs will head to other bridges or tunnels to avoid the new $3-per-crossing toll, up from the introductory rate of $1.50.
“For us, it’s definitely bad news, especially for South Fraser residents,” said Bateman. “I believe what we’re going to see is more pressure on the Pattullo Bridge, the Alex Fraser and the Massey Tunnel.
“This week will be quiet. But next week, traffic will gear up again and you’ll see more people trying out the South Fraser Perimeter Road, zipping down to the Pattullo or the tunnel to see if it’s a better alternative for them.”
For the past year, drivers who registered early with TREO were eligible for introductory toll rates.
But as of Wednesday, regular toll rates went into effect, ranging from $1.50 for motorcycles, $3 for cars, $6 for medium-size vehicles including cube vans and cars with trailers, and $9 for large vehicles including commercial trucks and motorhomes.
The Port Mann-Highway 1 Improvement Project includes the new Port Mann Bridge, 37 kilometres of highway widening from Vancouver to Langley, and the rebuilding of seven highway overpasses and nine highway interchanges.
Final work along the corridor, especially completion of the Port Mann’s final two lanes, will continue through 2014.
“It’s a bit of a bait-and-switch by the government,” added Bateman. “They promised us a 10-lane bridge, and it’s still not completely open. The exits, on-ramps and off-ramps aren’t finished yet, there’s still temporary closures on the route, and yet now we’re paying full price. We shouldn’t be charged full price until the whole project is finished.”
Meanwhile, B.C. Trucking Association vice-president Trace Acres said Wednesday that large commercial trucks have always paid the Port Mann’s full $9 fee, but that association members with mid-sized trucks saw their fee raised $1.50, from $4.50 to $6, on Wednesday.
“Since the bridge has been opened, a lot of our members were trying to find a route that made the most sense from both a time and cost perspective. It’s likely they will continue to do that. There will be a bit of a period of adjustment while they figure it out.”
A poll released last month concluded that opposition to the toll is so great that many people avoid the Port Mann, using it less now than when it first opened.
The online survey of Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley residents suggested that one in four were driving over the bridge less often than they did a year ago when the $3.3-billion crossing opened, while almost half still continued to pay the toll.