| Continued strength of Canadian dollar results in lower Canadian currency tolls at International Bridge
Contact:
Phil Becker, International Bridge Administration, 906-635-5255, ext. 112
Agency:
Transportation
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September 25, 2009 -- Most International Bridge customers paying with Canadian currency will see the toll rate reduced, thanks to the continued strength of the Canadian dollar. The changes, effective Thursday, Oct. 1, are the result of the currency equity review done by bridge officials twice each year.
Starting Oct. 1, the passenger vehicle rate for Canadian currency will be reduced from $2.95 to $2.90.
"With the commuter toll increase being implemented simultaneously with this currency equity toll adjustment, there will be an increase in the commuter toll," said Phil Becker, International Bridge Administration (IBA) general manager.
In addition, an increase in the commuter toll rates will take effect Oct. 1. In February, the Joint International Bridge Administration (JIBA) board decided to delay an increase in the commuter toll to this October, while other toll rate increases took effect April 1, 2009.
"The commuter toll increase that was delayed from April 1 to Oct. 1 will be implemented in conjunction with this currency equity toll adjustment, so there will be an increase in the commuter toll," added Becker.
The U.S. commuter rate will increase to $1.75 and Canadian commuter rate will increase to $2.05. The toll rate change for commuters applies to all prepaid discount commuter deposits made on or after Feb. 26, 2009. All trips purchased before Feb. 26, on accounts in good standing, will be honored at the purchase price.
The intergovernmental agreement, under which the bridge operates, mandates that the currency exchange rate be equalized every April and October, if the currency difference is large enough. Using U.S. currency as the benchmark, the IBA is required to keep toll equity to within 5 cents in relation to currency exchange rates.
The operation and maintenance of the International Bridge is totally self-funded, primarily through bridge tolls, and is not subsidized by any state, provincial or federal government entity. For a complete list of International Bridge tolls, visit the IBA Web site at www.michigan.gov/iba.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge: Bridging Our Past, Connecting Our Future
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