Will drivers avoid the Port Mann when tolls kick in?
Posted December 3, 2012 7:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – Today sees the first real commute on the new Port Mann Bridge since it opened to four lanes each way this weekend. The new RapidBus line from Langley is also up and running.
There are predictions alternate routes will feel the pinch when the tolls kick in. But the province fully expects drivers will eventually be won over by the time savings of the new Port Mann on Highway 1 and pay for the convenience.
News1130 spoke with several commuters at 152nd Street and 104th Avenue in Surrey today; none of them are happy with the tolls that begin next week.
“On the way to work, I’ll have to use it, but on the way back, I’m going to try to dodge it. [The tolls are] ridiculous. It adds up a lot,” says one driver.
“[I’ll take the] Pattullo… you can’t afford that. [It’s at] least $150 more [per month] and if you’re not getting a raise,” says another.
The province expects 110,000 to 120,000 trips across the new bridge today, which isn’t really any more than what then average has been.
