Motorists will be able to cross the Port Mann and Golden Ears Bridges free of charge come September 1st.
Premier John Horgan confirmed plans to scrap tolls on both crossings as part of the NDP’s campaign promises.
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Port Mann and Golden Ears Bridge Funding
It remains unclear how the NDP plan to fund the bridges moving forward, but for the time being it will allow drivers to breathe easy.
“You shouldn’t have to pay tolls because of where you live,” said Horgan at a press conference. “This is about making life a little easier.”
Currently, the cost of crossing the bridges is $3.15 on the Port Mann, and $3.20 on the Golden Ears. Axing the toll is expected to save some commuters upwards of $1,500 annually. Operators of commercial vehicles will $4,500 per year.
The Port Mann Bridge cost $3.3 billion to build, and is expected to have a debt of $4.2 million this fiscal year. According to the latest provincial budget update, it has lost $407 million in its initial five years.
The Golden Ears was reportedly expected to raise $55.7 million in toll revenue this year, $3.4 million more than 2016. Translink, who owns the Golden Ears Bridge, commits $40 million per year to the crossing to subsidize the dept.
According to the province, the cost of axing the tolls will be $132 million this year.
