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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Bay Bridge Toll Expected To Double

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—Anger is growing about plans to drastically raise tolls at the Bay Bridge and other locations across the state. Some lawmakers say it will hurt families and businesses.

Mike Schuh has more on the opposition.

Folks over the Bay Bridge don’t call the toll a toll; they call it a tax. And they say implementation of it could have severe impacts.

While waiting in line to get some of the best fried chicken in Maryland, Kim Wingo has time to reflect on what is being asked of her. The state wants to double the Bay Bridge toll to $5 and then to $8.

“If they’d work better on their budget and maybe cut back their spending, I think it would be a lot easier for people to make it,” said Wingo, an Eastern Shore resident.

Restaurant owners don’t know what is going to happen to their budget if people don’t travel over the bridge to come and eat.

Karen Oertedl owns Harris Crab House.

“I’d say a third of the market comes from the western shore,” Oertedl said.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

You guys elected Omalley and Obama , get over it , the worse is yet to come. The liberal democrats have the country really screwed-up.
"Whacha goona do when they come for you" lock and load!

Anonymous said...

Now how much of that new found tax money will make it to the Eastern Shore? 5% maybe if we are lucky?

Anonymous said...

That 1/3 of the market can also afford an extra 3.00 for the weekend!
While I'm not in favor of new fees and or taxes, $3.00 to a family headed to Ocean City for the weekend isn't going to make or break their trip!
Instead of just complaining about he increase legitimately, some have to come up with bogus reasons why they're against it and claim it will do harm in areas it will not.
We wonder why our leaders no longer listen to us? Maybe it has something to do with they don't KNOW what we want because some people have to grandstand on every issue and turn it into something it is not.
I remember several years ago when they were going to raise the tolls, it seemed like everybody here on the shore was all for it. Make those tourists pay! That was the mentality.
Now we're hearing the opposite side from the Shore.
Give me a break! Make up your minds! Geesh!

Anonymous said...

10:12
Hey dill hole! What about the people who commute everyday. Once the toll goes to $8, that's over $100 per month more.

Anonymous said...

1158-Exactly, 1012 seems totally unaware of the large number of ppl who commute daily to Baltimore/Nap Town. It's not just hitting "some family going to vacation in ocean city", it's hitting everyday working class people who commute since there are very few good jobs on the Shore.

Anonymous said...

the bridge is a maint hassle, and traffic nightmare

im in favor of shutting it down

Anonymous said...

For those of us that have actually read about the issue, there will be a significantly lower commuter rate available.

Anonymous said...

And why is our federal rep wasting time in STATE issues? This isnt his business anymore. Arent republicans supposed to be about smaller government? Why is Harris sticking his nose into it? Oh thats right - it affects HIM now.

Wont affect me much. I live in Queen Annes and work in Queen Annes. Commuters wont be hurt much either. Thier rate is due to increase from 1.00 to 1.50.

The part that upsets me the most is that the Bay Bridge is fiscally sustainable at current toll rates. The additional funds are needed for the ICC for Montgomery county. I dont cross the Bay Bridge much - I will probably never need to travel the ICC.

Anonymous said...

11:58 and 12:31, these people commuting use to live on the Western Shore and decided to move to the Eastern Shore. Raising tolls for their every day use of the bridge is the price they pay for living on the sho'. Don't like it? MOVE BACK

Anonymous said...

358-You have no facts to back up your baseless claim. Most people move from other states(not from the Western Shore to the Eastern Shore), and find the Shore a much more affordable place to live(Same reason why many ppl from NJ and PA moved to Delaware over the past 20 years). You can thank them for your rising home values based on nothing but commuting distance to their employment. Trust me, people aren't moving from the Western Shore to the Eastern Shore to work on the Western Shore. That's Eastern Shore assbackwardsness lol

Anonymous said...

Why don't they follow the example set by Delaware on Route 1? Those tolls are doubled for the weekends, but then set back during the week. That would not affect the commuters and other daily business traffic coming here, but would surcharge the beach bums.

Anonymous said...

Don't vote for Democrats and then complain that they raise taxes and tolls.

Anonymous said...

We just had them vote to give ILLEGAL aliens in-state tuition taking spots away from in-state LEGAL citizens or making the costs of going to college higher because the ILLEGALS are now paying a cheaper rate. Now they want to raise the bridge toll. You people who voted for these clowns better not utter one word of complaint! IF you keep voting Dem. in this state you will get more of the same!

Anonymous said...

This is a good thing. Before Annapolis began picking on the Eastern Shore about paying their fair share of supporting struggling new Americans migrating to Montgomery, Baltimore City, etc., Western Shore taxpayers were stuck with the whole bill. It is finally changing. We are not stupid and realize that there are families dodging taxes here and sticking us with the whole bill. We therefore appreciate your assistance.

Thank you!

The British are coming the British are coming said...

Obama's taxation without representation spreading around the Country; got to pay for the illegals medical and school issues white man!!

Anonymous said...

433 go back to PA or NJ. IF you use the bridge everyday, youe pay every day. VOte democrat you moron.

Anonymous said...

Let them raise them, but keep track of where the money goes!! Look what it costs to go over the Delaware Memorial Bridge! There is no lack of traffic on it. RAISE THE TOLL!!!

Anonymous said...

Raise it to 20 bucks. Don't like it, go around.

Anonymous said...

Vote Republican!!!