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State Transportation Commission determines tolling rates and schedules for Narrows Bridge and SR 167 HOT lanes
Posted
12.13.07
Transportation Commission
Office - PO Box 47308 -
Olympia, WA 98504-7308
360-705-7070
Date: December
13, 2007
| Contact: |
Reema Griffith, Transportation Commission Executive Director, 360-705-7070
Janet Matkin, Tolls Communication Manager, 253-534-4660, or 253-350-9516
Victoria Tobin, Urban Corridors Communications, 206-464-1184 |
OLYMPIA –The Washington State Transportation Commission took steps late Wednesday afternoon to establish a schedule for future toll adjustments on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and proposed a minimum and maximum toll rate for the State Route (SR) 167 high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes pilot project.
The Commission initiated a process for the evaluation and updates of toll rates for Tacoma Narrows Bridge for fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009). The process establishes a toll rate adoption schedule, which takes into consideration many different variables including revenue forecasts, coordination with the Tacoma Narrow Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee, and rule making procedures for changes to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), which is where the toll schedule is laid out. The Commission will base any future toll adjustments on the outcome of bridge revenues, possible 2008 Legislative actions, and recommendations by the Citizen Advisory Committee. The Commission’s toll rate adoption schedule targets June 2008 for adoption of any adjustments to the toll rates.
The Commission adopted toll rates for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge on June 5, 2007 and began collecting tolls on July 16, 2007. At that time, the Commission established a cash toll of $3.00 and $1.75 electronic toll. The Commission is required by law to set tolls for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge at a level adequate to pay back the bonds issued for construction, maintenance and operations of the bridge.
During yesterday’s meeting, the Commission also approved a proposed toll range for the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project. HOT lanes will give drivers a new commuting choice and allow WSDOT to test an innovative congestion management concept. The program allows solo drivers to pay an electronic toll to use carpool lanes previously reserved for vehicles with two or more occupants. Toll rates will fluctuate based on congestion factors, including time of day, traffic volumes, and traffic flow. Commissioners proposed a minimum toll rate of 50 cents for solo drivers who choose to use the HOT lanes during periods of little or no congestion, and a maximum toll rate of $9. The maximum toll rate would be charged to solo drivers using the HOT lanes during peak travel periods and when demand for the lanes is highest. Tolls will reach the maximum amount when the solo-driver demand approaches exceeding available space in the lane.
The toll range may be adjusted as the four-year pilot project progresses. The project team's goal is to make sure the HOT lanes keep the roadway flowing efficiently as possible. The end result will increase driver options, move more cars and keep transit running on time.
The proposed toll range will be released for public review and comment before it is finalized in February. A public input meeting is scheduled for the evening of Jan. 24, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Renton City Hall, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, Wash. It will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the HOT lanes pilot project, discuss the toll range proposal and offer comments to the Commission and Washington State Department of Transportation staff.
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