Toll exemption for buses crossing two WA bridges will end this fall

Public and private transit operators in Washington will begin paying tolls on the State Route 520 floating bridge and Tacoma Narrows Bridge starting October 1. This legislative change, aimed at addressing a billion-dollar transportation budget deficit, eliminates the toll exemption for transit services. The repeal is part of a six-year, $3. 2 billion revenue package signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, which includes a 6-cent increase in the state gas tax expected to generate nearly half of the needed funds. Justin Leighton, executive director of the Washington State Transit Association, criticized the move, emphasizing that it unfairly impacts transit users and providers.

All transit vehicles, including buses, vans, and rideshare services, will incur tolls, while school buses remain exempt. King County Metro and Pierce Transit operate across these bridges, with Pierce Transit previously paying tolls until 2019 when it secured an exemption. Pierce Transit projects an annual toll cost of about $61,380, which may lead to increased fees for its rideshare program. Tolling will also be implemented on the future Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River, anticipated to begin in 2027.