As of Sept. 1, it is free to cross the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges.
“We’re making life more affordable for people who cross the Fraser every day,” said Premier John Horgan. “We’re putting money back into the pockets of commuters and families. It’s about fairness and keeping our commitments.”
The tolling for both bridges ended at midnight on Aug. 31, 2017. Starting Sept. 1, all vehicles can cross either the Port Mann or the Golden Ears Bridge for free.
“This is fantastic news for commuters and for commercial drivers, who will benefit from this change,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “Getting rid of tolls will clear congestion on other routes, so people can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with their families.”
The tolling system and cameras are turned off, meaning that starting Sept. 1, drivers who cross over either bridge will not be tolled. Bills for tolls up to and including Aug. 31, 2017 will still need to be paid and the process for bill payment will remain in place.
Ministry crews have been on site removing tolling signage on the Port Mann Bridge and are expected to have this signage removed by later this afternoon. TransLink will also be covering tolling signs for the Golden Ears Bridge today and will remove them in the future.
“Starting today, travel will be more affordable, fair and equitable for the many people who cross these bridges every day,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “A Toll-Free B.C. puts more money back into the pockets of Lower Mainland drivers. We look forward to continuing to work with the Mayors’ Council to make transportation more affordable and convenient, including our commitment to fund 40% of the capital costs of the Mayors’ Ten-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver transportation.”
Eliminating tolls will benefit these travellers and encourage those who avoided these tolled crossings to use these two bridges more frequently, creating better traffic flow throughout the region.
A driver who commutes to and from work each day on the Port Mann Bridge will save approximately $1,500 a year and a commercial truck driver who makes one round trip a day will save over $4,500 a year.
Approximately 121,000 vehicles cross the Port Mann Bridge daily and about 40,000 vehicles cross the Golden Ears Bridge daily.