TReO can’t stop drivers getting away with discounted tolls

SURREY (NEWS1130) – The agency set up to collect your money when you cross the Port Mann Bridge says it can’t monitor those who cheat the system.

News1130 has spoken with several solo drivers who say they are getting away with a toll discounted by 25 per cent.

“HOV drivers have to follow the HOV rules and they are taking a risk if they don’t.  RCMP enforce the restrictions and they do fine drivers if they’re caught using the HOV lane,” says Greg Johnson with Transportation Investment Corporation.

When asked if TReO is responsible for keeping track of the cheaters, Johnson said no.  He adds the company is unable to keep an eye and the only people who are monitoring the situation are officers.

But those we spoke with who drive the bridge without any passengers every day say they’ve yet to see an officer on that bridge.

“You only have to be in the HOV lane when you go over the sensors and then you can switch back to the regular lane,” says one anonymous driver.

“I take the HOV lane because it is a 25 per cent discount and you only have to drive a small stretch over the bridge in order to receive that discount,” admits another.

“I think it’s a short distance to travel and the odds of being pulled over on the bridge I don’t think are very high,” explains a third driver.

In order to get the HOV discount, Johnson says you need to be a registered TReO user and have a decal.