Fewer drivers in Seattle's Highway 99 tunnel could create need for bailout

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Washington state’s new Highway 99 tunnel lost so much traffic because of work-from-home that toll increases and a bailout by the Legislature are needed to solve a permanent budget shortfall, the state Treasurer’s Office predicts.

Planners couldn’t have foreseen that the COVID-19 pandemic would slash toll revenues, which are to cover $200 million in construction debt plus operating costs for the $3.3 billion project that includes the tunnel and connecting roads.

But in trying to boost revenue, the state’s hands will be tied by its own construction of a giant Alaskan Way surface street, which will give drivers more leeway to pass downtown Seattle without paying tolls.

Already, the tunnel is $29 million in the red, despite an urgent 15% toll-rate increase to catch up last year. Tolls range from $1.20 to $2.70 each direction for Good to Go passholders, varying by time of day.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/fewer-drivers-in-seattles-highway-99-tunnel-could-create-need-for-bailout/

[MichMan]

1. Just put a bunch of big speedbumps and red lights on the free alternative road.

[SeattleVet]

2. Depends on which way you go...

either through downtown or along the waterfront.

Both have a LOT of traffic and a ton of lights, but I still won't pay to use the tunnel.