There are 12 bridges in Metro Vancouver and right now, drivers have to pay to cross two of them. But more tolls are on the way. The question is, how many?
“We are looking at the future of the region with the replacement of the Massey Tunnel, with the potential replacement of the Pattullo Bridge and both of those possibly being tolled facilities. We do need to look at the impacts of that on the region,” Peter Fassbender, community, sport and cultural development minister, said.
READ MORE: Should tolls be placed on all major Metro Vancouver bridges?
While the review won’t be complete for some time yet, one mayor has her own idea when it comes to tolls. Delta Mayor Lois Jackson has called for regional tolling on all of Metro Vancouver’s major bridges. And she has a specific price in mind — $1.
“We should all be paying a buck a bridge and take the smack out of the $4-plus tolls that we’re seeing now,” Jackson said.
WATCH: Delta mayor calls for regional tolling on Metro Vancouver bridges
Fassbender isn’t ruling out Jackson’s proposal, but he’s not exactly embracing it either.
“It has been talked about by a number of other people, but again, I think we have to really take a look at that as part of the overall regional lens to say what will work, what is fair and equitable,” he said.
Dramatic changes to tolling policy are unlikely to happen before next spring’s provincial election. What happens after the election, however, may a different story.
– With files from Keith Baldrey
Comments