Mackinac Bridge toll increases delayed at least a year; commuter tolls to return to 2012 rates

December 17, 2013 — Mackinac Bridge toll increases scheduled to rise on Jan. 1, 2014, will remain at current levels instead, while commuter tolls will be rolled back to 2012 rates.

In July, the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) voted to keep 2014 toll rates at the 2012 level, which includes a per-trip toll of $4 for passenger vehicles. The decision also rolls back commuter costs to 2012 rates.

MBA Board Chair William H. Gnodtke stated, “The MBA Board and staff has done an outstanding job with efficiencies, such as reduced energy consumption, administrative costs, dark fiber leases, self-insurance, redefining commuters, and electronic tolling, which all has resulted in decreased costs. These efficiencies have allowed the Mackinac Bridge Authority to delay the planned 2014 toll increase for at least one more year.”

At the December 2007 MBA Board meeting, incremental toll increases were implemented between 2008 and 2013, with future action hinging on existing 2013 revenues. When MBA officials examine the financial data again in late 2014, they will determine what adjustments, if any, are required beyond 2014.

The 56-year-old Mackinac Bridge is maintained, and continues to operate, exclusively with toll revenue. All toll rates can be found at www.mackinacbridge.org.