Are drivers ready to pay more to use roads and bridges in order to raise cash for much-needed improvements?
That's the question being asked by some politicians as a rising howl is heard from people who will pay a hefty $3 to cross the new Port Mann bridge when it opens.
Although widespread road pricing won't be implemented any time soon because of its complexity and logistics, there may be increased appetite to spread the pain throughout the region, not just on new bridges.
Those who have to cross the Port Mann to get to and from work are particularly incensed about having to pay $1,400 more a year in transportation costs when those who don't cross bridges but still use the freeway get off free (this ignores the fact housing costs are typically higher in areas that don't require a bridge to get home).
Maybe it makes sense to make everybody pay a little so a few people don't have to pay a lot, although it will be a hard-sell unless everybody benefits from improvements.
What do you say?Would implementing widespread road pricing be fairer than tolling only new bridges? Vote in our online poll.
