Bridge toll reduction expected

Metro Vancouver mayors are hoping that the provincial government will announce Wednesday it is significantly reducing the planned $ 3 toll on the Port Mann Bridge, which is due to open eight of its 10 lanes in December.

The Ministry of Transportation has remained silent on how much the tolls will be slashed ahead of a 1 p. m. news conference, but several weeks ago the former head of the ministry said it was working to reduce the toll — at least for the first year.

“From what I’ve heard it will be good news that the government has been listening to people and their concerns, so I’m very optimistic,” said Langley mayor Peter Fassbender.

Commuters were dismayed after initial rates were projected to be around $ 3 per car and $ 9 for large trucks, with potential discounts available for carpools and off- peak travel. Those tolls, which could cost as much as $ 1,500 a year for daily commuters, were calculated to pay off the $ 3.3- billion bridge over the next 40 years.

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart said the toll should be reduced, at least until the old bridge is decommissioned and the last two lanes are connected with Highway 1 in 2013.

New Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak and Mike Proudfoot, CEO of the bridge builder Transportation Investment Corporation, will announce the details of the full tolling framework, as well as monthly and HOV passes that will be available.