Canadian toll adjustments at International Bridge based on currency rates

 

March 30, 2017

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SAULT STE. MARIE — Bridge customers paying Canadian currency will see the toll rate adjusted due to the current value of the Canadian dollar. The changes, effective Saturday, April 1, are a result of the mandated exchange review conducted by bridge officials twice each year. The U.S. fare will remain unchanged at $3.50.

 

Starting April 1, the passenger vehicle rate for Canadian currency will change from $4.50 to $4.60. The three-tiered U.S. commuter rates are unchanged at $2.45, $2.80, and $3.15. Canadian currency commuter rates will be $4.14, $3.68, and $3.22. IBA's Prox card commuter discount program is based on the number of one-way crossings on each account. Customers with Prox commuter accounts have online access and payment options, while receiving discounts up to 30 percent off the regular cash rate. Discounts are based on the number of crossings in the previous 30 days. Commuter account balances do not expire.

 

"Since 2002, to maintain compliance with the bridge authority's Canada/U.S. operating agreement, the rates are reviewed each April and October," said Peter Petainen, International Bridge Administration (IBA) general manager. "This is a mandatory semi-annual adjustment due to changes in the value between the U.S. and Canadian dollars."

 

IBA officials stress that much of the bridge's toll revenue is funneled back into the community, making the bridge not just a connector between the twin cities but a major economic driver in both communities. The operation and maintenance of the International Bridge is totally self-funded, primarily through bridge tolls. It is not subsidized by any state, provincial or federal government entity.

 

"The toll revenue we collect is not just used to maintain the excellent condition of the bridge," said IBA Chief Financial Officer Crystal Knutsen. "We put $6.6 million back into the local economy on an annual basis, split equally between both Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan."

 

Knutsen also points out that the bridge has recently experienced an increase in commercial traffic. "That's a good thing for everyone," she said. "Even though commercial traffic only represents a small percentage of the total bridge crossings, close to 40 percent of our toll revenue comes from commercial tolls. Commercial traffic helps keep toll rates for passenger vehicles lower."

 

For a complete list of International Bridge tolls, visit the IBA website atwww.michigan.gov/iba. For more information on the International Bridge, please visitwww.saultbridge.com or follow us on twitter atwww.twitter.com/saultbridge.