MTA Discusses Possible Toll Rate Increase

(WBOC).

KENT ISLAND, Md. - The tolls to cross the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne's County have not been raised in over a decade. But that might be coming to an end.

The Maryland Transportation Authority tells us they're in the very early stages of discussion. But raising the toll rates within the next few years is being considered. MTA says it was brought up during a larger discussion within their meeting.

But drivers say whether you cross the bridge once a year or everyday, it's more money out of our pockets.

Right now, it's costs $2.50 to cross the bridge. But soon, it may cost more.

The state will weigh the pros and cons of raising the tolls of Maryland's bridges and tunnels.

Mike Fillis, who's crossing the bridge today, doesn't like the sound of that.

"Our children have moved to the western shore and over into the western part of Virginia. We didn't have a reason to travel much in the past but now they're there so we go over to see them. Everything's gone up. Gas is more expensive. So, traveling is more expensive. I would like to see them put off raising prices of tolls until sometime later when things kind of come down," says Fillis.

Kate Perry says she drives over the bridge 2 to 3 times a month and agrees maybe tolls should be raised.

"I think I understand why they would raise it. They could continue to use that money for making our roads better and I probably wont care too much. It wont stop me from going to the other side of the bridge."

Others call it a necessary evil.

"Nobody wants to pay more if you don't have to. But you also get what you pay for. If we have public services there is a cost and I don't really have a big problem but I do understand it will affect a lot of people," says Douglass Estepp.

MTA tells us for now, it's too early to tell when or how much a toll increase might be. But it could be discussed during it's next meeting on Oct. 2.

Video Journalist

Lauren knew she wanted to work as a reporter when one of her professors invited a local TV news reporter to talk about her successes and learning experiences on how she got to where she is today. Lauren's beat is the Midshore and specializes in stories on the Chesapeake Bay, juvenile crime, and tourism on the Eastern Shore.

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