Blue Water Bridge tolls increasing, going cashless April 1
BWB also transitioning to fully cashless tolling, Federal Bridge Corporation says
Drivers who use the Blue Water Bridge will have to start paying more this year — and will do so without cash, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) has announced.
Effective April 1, the toll rate for cars, extra axles and trucks will all move to $7, up from $4.50, $4.50 and $5 respectively, FBCL said Thursday in a news release.
The corporation says it will also transition to fully cashless tolling at the same time.
"These changes represent a significant step forward in modernizing the Blue Water Bridge," said Karen Richards, chief operating officer at FBCL.
"By transitioning to cashless tolling, we are streamlining operations, reducing processing time at the toll booths and minimizing wait times for travellers."
Cashless tolling aligns with industry best practices: FBCL
According to FBCL, the adjusted toll rates are necessary to address rising maintenance and capital costs, ensuring sufficient funding for future infrastructure projects at the bridge, including ongoing maintenance and planned upgrades.
FBCL says it conducts semi-annual toll rate reviews, with the next review scheduled for Oct. 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, FBCL says the shift to cashless tolling "will result in faster transaction times, reducing wait times and lowering our environmental footprint by minimizing vehicle idling."
The corporation says the bridge successfully implemented temporary cashless tolling during the pandemic.
The bridge recently expanded accepted payment methods to include American Express (AMEX) and Discover credit cards for all U.S.-bound toll transactions. FBCL says these, along with existing debit and credit card options and the ConneXion pre-paid toll program, give travellers a variety of convenient and secure payment choices.
There will be no increase to tolls for passenger vehicles in the ConneZion program.