Documents obtained by the B.C. New Democrats show some cars crossing the new Port Mann Bridge could pay more than $5, not the previously stated toll of $3.
The 10-lane, $2.4-billion bridge is scheduled to open in December 2012. The project will be paid for by electronic tolls collected at a single point on the bridge.
Last Thursday, CTV News spoke to Pam Ryan, spokeswoman for the Crown corporation overseeing the project. Ryan reiterated that the toll would be "around $3," but a report called the Port Mann Highway 1 Bridge Concession Agreement details a total charge of $5.15 for some cars.
While drivers with an automated toll device installed in their cars will pay $2.85 for crossing the bridge, those without will be charged another $2.30 if they do not pay the toll within two days of crossing.
The same added fee, which the Ministry of Transportation calls a surcharge for not paying on time, applies to small trucks, large trucks, and motorcycles without toll devices installed.
The goal of the new Port Mann Bridge is to reduce congestion and reduce travel times by 30 per cent. Expectations are high that Metro Vancouver's second toll bridge will be a popular choice for commuters, though the first, the Golden Ears, hasn't been a hit so far.
In May, TransLink said the $1.2-billion bridge was attracting almost a third below the amount of traffic projected. There is now talk of reducing the toll to attract more commuters.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
