一起听新闻、学英语-CBC NEWS-Port Mann Bridge toll

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The opposition as accusing government breaking it election promise tonight over the toll on the Port Mann Bridge, but the government says the new democracies have it all wrong. Navjot Heir has the story.


A trip over the new Port Mann Bridge could be a heavy hit your wallet. A lot heavier than first expected.

“3 bucks is too much, never mind 5, when you get to go across two times a day.”

Government documents of tin by the NDP review, some drivers will pay more than the $3 toll the Liberal’s first announced in 2007. There are no toll booth, so drivers without transponder could be charge $5.5 to cross the bridge. The NDP transportation critic is outrage tonight.

“I think, you know, they mislead public, that’s why people a lot much more angry about it.”

But transportation minister Shirley Bond says the electronic toll is $3, as long as you pay with the transponder or online within 48 hours.

“If it takes you longer than that, there is a potential for a surcharge and that will be added only if you don’t pay your toll on time.”

The surcharge will likely hit tourist and occasional bridge users the hardest. People who have to pay it everyday say the bridge shouldn’t be so expensive.

“Well, I don’t think it should be any toll at all on transcanada highway. Should be free from on end, of the country did the other.”

The tolls will go into effect in 2013 when construction wraps up. Tonight the transportation minister tells us the government will use these next two years to figure out how to make it easier for drivers to pay. Maybe even with the cell phone. So you can avoid those extra surcharges.