March 17, 2020
LANSING, MICH. In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will not be accepting cash payment for private passenger vehicles using the eastbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) to Canada. All commercial traffic is being asked to pay by prepaid commuter account cards or debit/credit forms of payment. We encourage any commercial travelers who wish to apply for the prepaid commercial account to visit www.federalbridge.ca and complete the application.
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) announced as of 12 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, cash transactions will be suspended at their westbound BWB crossing until further notice for all privately owned vehicles. In accordance with their decision, MDOT's BWB is also encouraging the use of only credit/debit card transactions. Reducing person-to-person contact by moving to cashless transactions will help to reduce the amount of exposure to contagion, as well as reduce contact back to customers if change is being provided.
The state is taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in reducing the coronavirus risk.
Blue Water Bridge frequently asked questions (FAQ) on cash transactions:
Why is the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) eliminating private passenger vehicles from cash payment amid the COVID-19 outbreak?
Reducing the exchange of cash may help to protect BWB toll operators as well as the customers they service. Paying with cash and requiring change being handed back to a customer creates additional contact points that are unnecessary as we work to practice social distancing.
What can customers do to reduce their risk while exchanging payment at a bridge crossing?
Customers are being encouraged to reduce their contact with toll operators by paying with credit/debit cards. While this does not create a touchless payment, it does reduce the contagion potentially exchanged during payment between both the customer and the toll operator. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, customers are also encouraged to increase their hand washing and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
What can customers do if they reach the toll booth and do not have a credit/debit card?
Toll operators will continue to accept cash forms of payment in emergency situations; however, lanes with the ability to accept cash will be limited. The move to eliminate cash is a precautionary measure to reduce person-to-person contact and is not intended to completely eliminate travel, especially when deemed necessary.
Who can customers direct questions to?
Questions can be directed to the BWB at 810-984-3131 or visit the BWB website at Michigan.gov/BlueWaterBridge.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
###
