April 1, 2009
Nickel Bridge to Start Charging on Per Person Basis
12 Comments »A test program starting next month by the Richmond Metro Authority will be charging .25 per person to use the bridge. The logic being that more people equal more weight thus a higher toll for a carload than a single driver. Bicyclist and walkers will also be charged this toll. New thermal detecting cameras will be installed to detect the number of bodies in a car and the total will show up on a reader board so that driver’s can see the correct amount they owe or that will be charged directly to their EZ-Pass.
One advocate was a recent visitor to Maymont who stated, “On a sunny day the park gets really, really crowded. This toll idea will be a good way to keep some of those on the other side of the river on the proper side of the river.” Merchants in Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom are not as thrilled because they fear that some of the previous traffic that was using the Nickel Bridge would be diverted south and start using the Mayo Bridge. Representatives of the Merchant’s Association were quoted as saying, “You know we really already have all the business we can handle. More customers just mean more work for us and frankly we are running out of places to put all our money. Thanks but no thanks.” Richmond stated they are considering adding a toll to Mayo Bridge as well.
The program expects to be fully operational by May 1st and will run until March 1st. After March 1st a month long study will analyze the feasibility of expanding the program. The result of the feasibility study will be released April 1st 2010.
Ha ha, this cracked me up. Thanks for the laugh. I forgot the date today!
ROFL!
A good idea. There are far too many freeloaders using this bridge. It really gets my fur up to see SUV’s with folks packed in like sardines using the same bridge for the same excessive fee that I have dip into my meager resources to access.
But there is a problem. I bet I spend several hours a year waiting behind folks who have to search for change at the toll booths. Condider how that wait will increase when we have to wait for 2, 4, maybe even 5 or 6 prople to search their pockets and wallets looking for loose change.
It’s a good idea, but I feel the negatives in terms of extra fuel consumed and time wasted will far outweigh any benefit to society.
Priceless!
If rumor gets around you’ll know that people don’t read the comments.
Awesome. I needed that.
I understood charges will be levied according to the net weight of the vehicles occupants.
I also think there should be a catapult for people that get in the exact change only lane and then spend 5 minutes looking underneath the car seat for change. Just get an EZ-Pass people.
Read this on the 2nd. I was getting pissed until I read the comments and was reminded of yesterday being april fools.
I knew it was April First. I knew what Richard was doing, and I thought based on my experience with the RMA Board that it was still possible.
Off the subject, city plans to resurface N. Westover Hills Boulevard from Riverside to the birdge starting in July.
Half my co-workers aren’t speaking these days. I guess I got too happy with this article and the copy machine.
I guess what upset them most was to learn that the “New thermal detecting cameras” were the same ones they use in some airports to make all clothing c-thru.
I like the catapult idea. Also one for the bikers who insist on riding at full speed along the walkway.