Why is it that every time there is a story on the bridge tolls, a “weak economy” is blamed for the lack of bridge traffic (Gateway, Nov. 28)?
In my opinion, there are two main reasons bridge traffic is down: One, people like me who work in Tacoma and pay $4 daily don’t want to pay more money on the weekends if we don’t have to; Two — and this is probably the bigger one — if you live in Gig Harbor, why would you go to Tacoma if you don’t have to?
In recent years, Gig Harbor has added everything from Kohl’s to a hospital to a YMCA. Does the economy play a factor? Sure, but toll or no toll, people just don’t need to go to Tacoma as much as they used to.
I’m sure what the state accounting genius will continue to do is keep tolling the tar out of people who have to use the bridge daily. Their claws are already in my checking account, and people are powerless to stop them. If they want to charge $10 to cross, they’re going to charge $10 to cross. No advisory board is going to stop that.
If bridge tolls were less on the weekends, I would go to places like the Tacoma Mall, Point Defiance and Red Robin much more than I do now.
You want people to use the bridge more? Charge less!
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