B.C. NDP eliminating Lower Mainland bridge tolls

You soon won’t have to pay money to cross the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges.

John Horgan announced on Friday that the Government of B.C. will be eliminating tolls on the two bridges in time for the Labour Day Weekend.

"We're taking immediate action to make life more affordable and get people moving by scrapping unfair tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges," said Premier Horgan. "This is just one of many steps we'll be taking in the coming weeks and months to make life easier for families throughout British Columbia."

The changes will take effect on Friday, September 1st, just in time for people travelling to and from Vancouver for the long weekend.

The announcement delivers on Horgan’s election promise to put an end to bridge tolls.

Families who regularly have to cross the Fraser River will save an average of $1,500 a year, with commercial drivers who use the bridges once a day set to save $4,500.

Approximately 121,000 vehicles cross the Port Mann Bridge every day, with another 40,000 vehicles using the Golden Ears Bridge.

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The move isn’t only about money either, as the government says the removal of tolls will also decrease traffic congestion along other corridors.

"Many people have been travelling out of their way to avoid tolls because they simply cannot afford them," said Premier Horgan. "Getting rid of tolls will shorten commute times and clear up other routes, so people can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with their families."

Bills up to and including Thursday, August 31st will still need to be paid.

Shortly after Horgan’s announcement, BC Green leader Andrew Weaver gave a statement on the move.

“It’s unfortunate that the government has decided to proceed with this reckless policy,” said Weaver. “It is disappointing that the first major measure that this government has taken to make life more affordable for British Columbians will add billions of dollars to taxpayer-supported debt.”

Weaver added that there are lots of good, high return-on-investments decisions that government can make, such as education, student housing and child care.

Currently, the toll to cross the Port Mann is $3.15 for cars, pickup trucks and SUVs, $6.30 for medium-sized vehicles (i.e. cars with trailers or RVs) and $9.45 for commercial vehicles.

The toll to cross the Golden Ears is $3.20 to $4.45 for cars, pickup trucks and SUVs, $6.35 to $7.55 for medium-sized vehicles, and $9.45 to $10.70 for commercial vehicles.