The Washington Transportation Commission proposed on Monday a $1 increase for passenger and truck tolls on the new Tacoma Narrows bridge.

The standard cash toll would increase to $4 while the standard toll for those using electronic transponders would increase to $2.75. If adopted, the increases would take effect this summer.

The commission’s proposal mirrored a recommendation issued last month by an eight-member citizen advisory board.

Commissioners liked the idea of maintaining a discount for electronic toll payers. Transponder tolls cost less to collect, they pointed out.

The commission considered two other toll increase proposals: $3 for both cash and electronic, and a $3.50 cash toll and $2.75 electronic toll.

All three proposals would raise close to the estimated $46.1 million in gross revenues for 2008-09. The commission proposal could raise about $47 million.

Commission Chairman Richard Ford noted that the surplus might be enough to keep new tolls the same for a second year. The money also might come in handy in case traffic drops on the bridge due to an economic recession, he added.

Greg Selstead, director of tolling operations for the state Department of Transportation, said staff recommended that cash tolls remain levied at even dollar amounts. Coins would cost more to collect and administer, he said. He said the department had no objections to the other two proposals.

The commission will hold two meetings in May to take public comment on the proposal and make a final decision.

Mike Archbold: 253-597-8692

WHAT’S NEXT

The state Transportation Commission will hold two public meetings.

May 20: Collect public comment, 6 to 8 p.m., Inn at Gig Harbor, 3211 56th St. N.W.

May 27: Collect public comment and adopt new tolls, 6 to 8 p.m., Inn at Gig Harbor.