http://www.ilecamera.com/stories/013009/loc_20090130004.shtml
GIBC increases toll for Class 1, 2 vehicles
PUBLISHED: January 30, 2009
The Grosse Ile Bridge Co. is raising the user fee toll fares for automobiles, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and motorcycles.
The toll fares for these Class 1 and 2 vehicles were last raised five years ago. The cost currently is $1.50 each way for Class 1 vehicles.
The fares for Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 vehicles, which include semis, heavy trucks, buses, delivery vans and campers, will not change.
The new one-way toll fares for Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles will become effective Monday.
For Class 1 vehicles, a bridge pass would be $1.50 and tokens would be $1.80 (25 one-way crossings for a $45 roll of tokens). The cash price is $2, and credit card charges will be $3.
Class 2 vehicles, which are Class 1 vehicles pulling a trailer, cannot use tokens or bridge passes. The cash price will be $4, and credit charges will be $5.
"I know these are very difficult economic times for many Grosse Ile residents and businesses," said Paul Smoke, owner and president.
"Although I have been reluctant to increase the toll fares, I am compelled to do so to ensure that the GIBC has the long-term financial resources to properly operate and maintain the toll bridge."
According to the GIBC, five main factors contributed to the decision to increase the fares.
First, revenues have declined, and operational costs have increased. The toll fares for Class 1 and 2 vehicles were last raised five years ago. Vehicle crossings have dropped, yet maintenance expenses are higher.
Second, state and local government actions have increased operational expenses, according to the owner. This includes an increase in costs related to the Michigan Business Tax, an increase in tax payments to the township and legal fees related to such things as the township's unsuccessful eminent domain lawsuit against the company.
Third, the GIBC spent millions in preparation for the Wayne County free bridge closure in 2007. Those costs have not been fully recouped.
Also, according to GIBC representatives, the company must build financial reserves to pay for future maintenance, noting that the county bridge closure caused much greater wear and tear on the structure than normal.
Finally, the toll fare increases have not kept pace with inflation or growth in the GIBC's actual costs, according to the company.
"Members of my family built the toll bridge and have faithfully maintained it for the benefit of island residents, businesses and visitors for 95 years," Smoke said.
"I have owned and run the GIBC for more than a quarter of a century. We have done everything prudent to keep the toll fare reasonable over the years."
He added that he has invested more than $10 million in major maintenance and upgrades for the bridge in the last 26 years.
The GIBC has taken many steps to tighten its belt and reduce operational expenses that can be cut, but will not compromise on maintenance, Smoke said.
The bridge today is more reliable, safer, and operates better than the day it opened in 1913, he said.
"During my 26-year tenure as owner and president of the GIBC, I've improved, rebuilt or replaced all of the core components of the span," Smoke said.
"This new toll fare increase is essential for us to guarantee that the toll bridge will remain in great condition when it turns 100 years old in 2013, s well as be a safe and reliable route for future generations of islanders."
