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Don’t even think of tolling PRB

Letter writer wants Mayor Ernie Daykin to oppose universal bridge tolling.
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Almost half of the Pitt River Bridge funding came from Ottawa.

Editor, The News:

Now that the regional mayors have a say in TransLink funding, I hope Mayor Ernie Daykin will stand up for the citizens of Maple Ridge and oppose any form of universal bridge tolling.

This universal tolling would mean a toll on our only route west, across the Pitt River Bridge.

Working people have to cross this bridge everyday to find gainful employment. There is very little of that in Maple Ridge.

It has been suggested by some mayors that a $1 toll be imposed on every bridge.

One would have to be extremely naive to think it would stay at this price for long.

Once in the hands of TransLink, it would be a revenue-generating machine.

There would be no regard for the financial hardship caused to people using the bridge.

Incidentally, the new Pitt River Bridge cost B.C. only part of the total $198 million,  because the federal government paid $90 million. The Port Mann Bridge and Highway One improvement project cost in excess of $3 billion.

I feel for people in Surrey having to pay a toll but at least TransLink has given them the SkyTrain.

We in Maple Ridge have always got the short end of the stick and that won’t change.

Peter Harris

Maple Ridge