Toll rate increases go into effect for Seattle's SR 99 tunnel, Tacoma Narrows Bridge
After being approved earlier in the summer by the Washington State Transportation Commission, toll rate increases went into effect Friday for Seattle's state Route 99 tunnel and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Transportation officials warned lawmakers last year that toll rate increases were likely to make up for a $72 million shortfall in revenue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. After reviewing multiple options for the increases earlier in the spring, from across-the-board hikes to tailored increases during "peak" hours, the commission finalized the plans in August with increases going into effect starting Oct. 1.
Commissioners noted that while the majority of the public did not support increases, not acting would cause the commission to not meet financial obligations.
"It is really difficult right now to ask people to pay more because we are facing some challenging economic times right now and a lot of people are out of work," said Reema Griffith, executive director of the Washington State Transportation Commission.
https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/toll-rate-increases-sr-99-tunnel-tacoma-bridge-16502190.php
