Last saturday at the toll booth of the Tacoma Narrows bridge (Galloping Gertie), I was charged 4.50 for a ticket to cross. Cars and trucks are charged 3.00.
This was because my vehicle has three axles, not two.
All and I mean all reasons I gave that this should not be so fell on deaf ears. After five minutes and horn honks behind me, I paid.
That evening I emailed my state legislators from my district.
I was gratified with the speed of their response, and their understanding of the problem.
In just three days I had recieved a message from the bridge folks to contact them. They had photos and videos of my arguements with the toll taker. They appologised for the problem and said that I would not only be refunded the overcharge but they would use my case as a means to change the rules to reflect more common sense. I asked for hard copy of the change in case I should encounter another adament toll taker and they agreed.
Pass the word among all your sidecar pilot friends that the toll on the Gertie bridge shall henceforth be the same as for any other private vehicle instead of half again more.
As for other jurisdictions with similar problems I wish you the best of luck and later after I get hard copy I can post the results here.
I hope this sets a precedent of common sense.
Kudos to my state representatives and state senator.
Phelonius
The similar toll problem with the "per axle fee" has been addressed with the ferry system in the past. It's more of a training problem than an administrative problem that seems to persist in the Washington Toll Authority.
(Gonna have to rename the newer and the newest Tacoma Narrows crossing structures. "Gallopin' Gertie" left us in 1948).
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
I had to call it somthin! Gertie is a name that all the locals know.
Even thought the new bridges don't gallop like the original, the name stuck.
The grand Poobaah of bridges emailed me today to the effect that henceforth sidecars will be charged the same as motorcycles.
He thanked me for bringing it to their attention, and said that retraining of all bridge trolls was already happening.
Phelonius
I hope Washington Sidecarists appreciate your being the "Squeaky Wheel". It's too easy these days to sit at home and gripe while thinking you can't make a difference.
Maybe, whatever name it is officially given, we should hereby name it the Phelonius Bridge. :0) Do I hear a second?
I second the motion!!!
mrmustash aka Paul
There are now two bridges there, Guys. The toll is to pay for the newest one.
Lonnie
I'm glad you got the problem resolved. I was one of the motorcycle testers used when they set up the cameras. I have a sidecar also and the toll cameras always registered my rig with 2 axles. I asked them to make sure of this. They also assured me that sidecars would be charged the same as cars. But it seems like you went through the collection booths and the toll taker was not up to speed on the rule. I'm sure they all will be informed of this.
Thom Sears
Gig Harbor, WA.
Originally written by Phelonius on 3/6/2008 1:45 PM
Last saturday at the toll booth of the Tacoma Narrows bridge (Galloping Gertie), I was charged 4.50 for a ticket to cross. Cars and trucks are charged 3.00.
This was because my vehicle has three axles, not two.
All and I mean all reasons I gave that this should not be so fell on deaf ears. After five minutes and horn honks behind me, I paid.
That evening I emailed my state legislators from my district.
I was gratified with the speed of their response, and their understanding of the problem.
In just three days I had recieved a message from the bridge folks to contact them. They had photos and videos of my arguements with the toll taker. They appologised for the problem and said that I would not only be refunded the overcharge but they would use my case as a means to change the rules to reflect more common sense. I asked for hard copy of the change in case I should encounter another adament toll taker and they agreed.
Pass the word among all your sidecar pilot friends that the toll on the Gertie bridge shall henceforth be the same as for any other private vehicle instead of half again more.
As for other jurisdictions with similar problems I wish you the best of luck and later after I get hard copy I can post the results here.
I hope this sets a precedent of common sense.
Kudos to my state representatives and state senator.Phelonius
And kudos to you, sir for your efforts!
Thank you!!
In Costa Rica we pay for the rigs the same as for the solo bikes. (about 2/3rds of a car fee, what I feel as expensive)
Regards
Sven Peter Pan
