[溫哥華本地新聞] UPDATED Tolls to be eliminated on Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/br ... tation-bc-1.4261972

The B.C. government is getting rid of tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges starting Sept. 1, Premier John Horgan has announced.

Horgan made the announcement in Port Coquitlam on Friday morning, with Transportation Minister Claire Travena and Housing Minister Selina Robinson at his side.

"These tolls are unfair to people who live in the Lower Mainland and to people who live in particular areas of British Columbia. If you live in Kelowna, you don't pay tolls to cross a bridge," Horgan said. "You shouldn't have to pay tolls because of where you live."

Tolls will be eliminated on the Port Mann Bridge beginning in September. (CBC)

Elimination of the tolls was a key element of the NDP's election campaign this spring.

The NDP government estimates that the move will save people who commute over the Fraser River an average of $1,500 each year. Commercial drivers who cross the bridge daily could save $4,500, according to the province.

Bills for tolls up to and including Aug. 31 will still have to be paid.

The cost of eliminating the tolls is estimated at $132 million this year, according to the province.

Horgan said that remaining debt from the Port Mann will be transferred to the provincial debt. It will cost taxpayers an additional $135 million for the next few years to cover lost revenue from the bridge.

The province is currently in discussion with TransLink to determine how to make up for the shortfall in revenue from the Golden Ears, which the transit authority owns and operates, the premier added.

The government says it will budget for the lost revenue in the annual fiscal plan, which will be updated in early September. Previously, when critics pointed out the loss in revenue for the government, Horgan suggested the cost would be spread across the province.

Weaver calls policy 'reckless'

Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver immediately slammed the NDP government for the move.

"It's unfortunate that the government has decided to proceed with this reckless policy," Weaver said in a press release.

"There is no question that the affordability crisis facing so many British Columbians is a significant concern. However, this policy is high cost and low impact."

He contended that the province would get a higher return on investment for programs targeting things like education, student housing and child care.

"Moreover, making such a massive addition to our debt risks raising interest on all debt, which ultimately prevents government from being able to invest more in important social programs," Weaver said.

He added that tolls can help encourage drivers to find other modes of transportation, which helps to reduce congestion and pollution.