Tolls on the Gardiner Expressway and DVP: Freeway or feeway?

TORONTO – The cost of driving on the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway may get significantly pricier for motorists if tolls are introduced on both roadways, according to a city staff report.

But the city indicates tolling is a viable option to help offset capital, operating and maintenance costs for both freeways for decades to come.

The proposal would require drivers to pay a flat-fee of between $1.25 to $3.25 for either a 10-year or 30-year time frame respectively.

Another option would have motorists pay a per-distance fee of between 10 cents/per km to 35 cents/per km.

The fees mentioned reflect light vehicles only and heavier vehicles such as trucks are subject to higher tolls.

READ MORE: Councillor pushing for non-Toronto residents to pay tolls on Gardiner

The report states the tolling system would also help reduce travel times on the Gardiner and DVP.

“Under the $3 flat toll scenario, travel times would be reduced by three to five minutes,” the report added. “On a system-wide basis, the tolling system has a very small but still positive effect on overall network performance.”

The report suggests the tolls can bring in $3.8 billion over the next 30 years for the Gardiner, which will cover the capital cost of the Hybrid option for Gardiner East, and $200 million for the DVP over the same period of time.

The staff report is seeking council’s approval to authorize a more detailed study of tolling and pricing options and to report back to the Executive Committee in 2016.