KING

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

OLYMPIA, Wash. – State transportation officials have tentatively approved a toll increase for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The proposal, which recommends raising the toll to $2.75 for drivers using the Good to Go transponder system and $4 for those paying cash, will now be put out for public review.

A public meeting will be held May 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Inn at Gig Harbor. A second meeting will be held one week later at the same time and place where additional public comments will be taken and the Washington state Transportation Commission will decide whether to adopt the proposal.

The new tolls would take effect July 1, 2008 and end June 30, 2009.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee says the recommendation is based on analysis of traffic data and revenue forecasts, with the goal of keeping costs down for Good to Go users while ensuring sufficient revenue.

By comparison, the Golden Gate Bridge requires a $5 cash toll and $4 for drivers using electronic tolling. In the New York-New Jersey area, a number of tunnels and bridges require $8 cash for cars and $6 or $8 for pass holders, depending on the time of day they travel.