Posted on 02/09/2005 5:03:03 PM PST by Citizen James
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Users of the Golden Gate Bridge could see yet another toll increase under a plan by the Golden Gate Bridge District to help the agency climb out of debt.
The district already has cut its deficit -- which once was $454 million -- in part by raising cash tolls from $3 to $5 in 2002.
Officials now say the toll hike wasn't enough, and have proposed raising it to $6 in July 2006. Bicyclists and pedestrians also might face tolls under the new plan.
"We are looking at a combination of things, but we will probably have to ratchet up the tolls," said Dietrich Stroeh, a Marin member on the Golden Gate Bridge District Board of Directors.
The bridge district faces a $108 million deficit over the next five years. Much of the deficit needs have been addressed, but there is still a $69 million hole, officials said.
The board of directors was set to meet Friday to discuss options.
Toll increases "are likely, but maybe they (the board) will come up with something else," said Mary Currie, district spokeswoman. "Anything we do will have full public involvement."
Fares for the district's ferry and bus operations also are likely to increase.
"I don't know if there is a magic bullet out there to avoid toll hikes," Stroeh said. "We are looking for it."
ps./..remember though....we have the fruits, Los Angeles has the nuts.....we are the granola state
They need more cash to fund the huge Gay pride parade and festival at the end of June.
Aren't there something like 30 of those parasites, at about $150k/year, plus bennies, each?
I won't even guess what the union-thug bridge workers must get paid.
Boo Friggin Hoo. To cross the Verrezano in rush hour is $10, $7 off peak. Its makes sense that the nancy boys who dominate the bay area would complain about a $6 toll.
Fares for the district's ferry and bus operations also are likely to increase.
Cut those perpetual losers loose to sink or swim on their own and the bridge could go back to $3 tolls...
Ahahhaha!!! LOL!!! I guess taxing the hell out of people really does reduce a deficit. I wonder what new spending initiatives they'll introduce with their new fortunes?
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