WASHINGTON -- Tolls on the Bay Bridge could double very soon, and the mayor of Ocean City is a bit concerned.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is talking about raising the price for most drivers to cross the bridge from $2.50 to $5. The change would be made in October. Under the plan, by 2013, the price would be jacked up again to $8 one-way.
"Some of the rates I've heard proposed are a little dramatic," says Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
Meehan says if the toll hikes become reality, they could affect his town.
"It may be bad timing. With gas prices going up and then you talk about tolls, sometimes timing's everything," the Mayor says.
He's hoping for some kind of compromise.
More
The Maryland Transportation Authority is talking about raising the price for most drivers to cross the bridge from $2.50 to $5. The change would be made in October. Under the plan, by 2013, the price would be jacked up again to $8 one-way.
"Some of the rates I've heard proposed are a little dramatic," says Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
Meehan says if the toll hikes become reality, they could affect his town.
"It may be bad timing. With gas prices going up and then you talk about tolls, sometimes timing's everything," the Mayor says.
He's hoping for some kind of compromise.
More
What's Meehan talking about, they doubled the bus fare and had a dramatic increase in the inlet parking lot. Look in your own back yard before you criticize others.
ReplyDeleteI wish Ocean City and the western shore were in Oklahoma! Worst thing they did was build the Bay Bridge.
ReplyDeleteI doubt the toll increase will stop anyone from crossing the bridge. They should do a scaled toll like in Delaware. It cost me almost $20 one weekend to go up to NJ, then across on 95 to Baltimore on the way back.
ReplyDeleteReally, $2.50 is going to make a difference as to whether suburbia invades Ocean City? Come on, so someone in the family will have to do with one less over-priced soda. Even $10.00 would not make a difference ot a family going on vacation. I can see if it were a toll for someone who was looking at several day trips to the beach, Kinda like the fees at Assateague, but not the Bay Bridge. Just another political ploy by those that oppose it for support.
ReplyDeleteI think it should be $50 beinning in October and then $100 in 2013. Sounds about right to me. And naturally free going West.
ReplyDelete$100 for anyone without an eastern shore address on their drivers license/registration
ReplyDeleteoh and mehan should make all rental scooter riders where helmets and have a class m
why do the local, state, & federal gov'ts try budgeting their money. work in to the budget repairs and such on items. You know, like a homeowner does? I know, that makes too much sense.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone noticed the condition of our bay bridge compared to Virginia or delaware? The toll needs to be tripled so they can repair that crippled, over used death trap
ReplyDeleteShould have been doubled years ago, it is still a relative bargain. Look at Verrazano bridge between Staten island and brooklyn is half the size and costs $13 cash and $9.60 ez pass. We are going to need a new bridge built over the bay and the users of the bridge should fund it not every MD taxpayer.
ReplyDeleteGood, I hope they raise it to ten dollars.
ReplyDeleteThere are still many that have to cross that bridge to work. There should be a lower rate if they are using it more. Pay so much for so many passes. If you only use it once or twice a summer than it could be higher. Don't punish those that are already HAVING to cross that bridge to support their family. Gas is killing us already.
ReplyDeleteChange jobs or move. They charge for using the bridge. You want a discount for using it more? Buy tickets in bulk.
ReplyDelete