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Higher tolls not the best rout

Editor: The Surrey Board of Trade does not agree with an increased toll price on the Golden Ears Bridge, which was effective July 15.

Editor:

The Surrey Board of Trade does not agree with an increased toll price on the Golden Ears Bridge, which was effective July 15.

TransLink says the increase covers the rise in the Consumer Price Index of approximately 3.5 per cent, and the increase ranges between five cents and 30 cents depending on size of the vehicle and type of account.

The Golden Ears Bridge, a connector between Surrey/Langley and Maple Ridge, is meant to serve as an easier access route for goods and people to be moved expediently. The Surrey Board of Trade recommends a regional road-pricing policy be established, with the aim of implementing lower tolls but spread across the region. All funds would go to infrastructure development and maintenance and/or operating funds for public transportation. Ultimately, this would lead to a Traffic Demand Management Program, where tolling/pricing can be varied on different routes, at different times of day/night, to encourage traffic in a more efficient use of roads.

The board of trade believes an increased toll on Golden Ears is not necessary with a bridge that currently is not being used to its fullest potential by drivers.

Anita Patil Huberman, Surrey Board of Trade