Cost Reduction Should Be Used Before Bridge Toll Increases
To the Editor:

The Mackinac Bridge Authority should immediately initiate a oneway toll (at twice the current toll rate) as a cost reduction, gasoline savings, and time saving measure. This should have been done before any toll increases.

The cost of toll collection will be cut in half, the cost to motorists in terms of brake wear to stop in both directions and gasoline (while at idle), and to accelerate back to the speed limit, will be cut in half, and the motorist's time waiting to pay the bridge fare will be cut in half. An added benefit would be the availability of more toll booths in the collection direction which could be placed in service during high bridge use periods. One-way tolls are common across the country, including the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority ferries to Drummond, Neebish, and Sugar islands. All bridges across the Delaware between New Jersey and the Wilmington, Delaware/Philadelphia area have oneway tolls.

It is outrageous that the Bridge Authority is increasing tolls when they have not implemented the cost savings associated with a one-way toll. It would be helpful to understand from that union what their position is on implementing one-way tolls on the Mackinac Bridge.

David Bardsley Drummond Island