The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) took action on August 24th at its hearing to adopt changes to toll rates on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the SR 99 tunnel and the SR 520 bridge. You can learn more about the rate increases on each facility below:
SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Rate Changes
The 2021 toll rate increase on the TNB meets the expectations of a Legislative plan established in 2018 to bring toll rate stability to the TNB and mitigate escalating annual debt payments over time. The plan establishes intent for the Legislature to provide loans totaling up to $85 million to the TNB through 2030, with toll revenues expected to pay off the loans. Assuming the Legislature continues to provide the loans as planned, no further rate increases are expected on the TNB through 2030.
2021 Toll Rate Changes
The WSTC adopted the following toll rate increase for the TNB to cover debt payments, operations and maintenance costs. The increase will take effect October 1, 2021.
- Good To Go! pass rate would increase from $5 to $5.25
- Toll booth rate would increase from $6 to $6.25
- Pay By Mail rate would increase from $7 to $7.25
SR 99 Tunnel Toll Rate Changes
The pandemic has resulted in a significant decline in traffic and toll revenue for the SR 99 tunnel. The Legislature provided funding to partially address the revenue shortfalls in the current state Transportation Budget. However, while forecasts indicate traffic volumes will improve over time, they are expected to remain at lower levels than was projected pre-pandemic. In addition, SR 99 tunnel toll rates are now required by law to address additional financial requirements than initially anticipated. Because of this, toll rates have been adjusted.
2021 Toll Rate Changes
The WSTC adopted the following toll rate changes for the SR 99 tunnel, effective October 1, 2021:
- Across the board 15% toll rate increase applied to all rates for all times of day. This results in rate increases between 15 cents to 35 cents.
- View Detailed Rate Changes
- View regulatory amendments
NOTE: This toll rate adjustment assumes an additional 3% toll rate increase starting on July 1, 2022 and occurring every three years after that.
SR 520 Bridge Toll Rate Changes
The pandemic has resulted in a significant decline in traffic and toll revenues for the SR 520 bridge. In the short-term, the Legislature has provided funding to address financial requirements eliminating the need to increase toll rates in 2021. However, forecasts project revenue shortfalls in the future as the region continues to recover from the pandemic. In order to meet legal requirements and bond contracts, the WSTC must update the financial plan for the SR 520 bridge to incorporate a rate increase in 2023.
If traffic rebounds faster than anticipated, the WSTC may adjust rates again before the new rates take effect in 2023.
Toll Rate Changes
The current SR 520 Bridge toll rates remain in effect until July 1, 2023. You can access the current toll rates Here (pdf 75kb)
The WSTC adopted the following toll rate increase for the SR 520 bridge, effective July 1, 2023:
- No toll rate changes for overnight rates (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
- Weekday peak hour times are extended by one hour later, resulting in a $1.10 increase from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Rate increases for other times of day, including the weekends, range from 20 cents to 55 cents
- View Detailed Rate Changes for weekdays and weekends
- View regulatory amendments