They’ve been warning that it was coming, and today the Washington State Transportation Department gave us a date: Electronic tolling will start the morning of Dec. 29 on the 520 bridge between Seattle and the Eastside — a route heavily used by technology workers and many others in the region.
Toll rates will vary depending on day and time, peaking at $3.50 during the rush hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays for drivers with a “Good To Go” sticker in their windshields, connected to a prepaid account from which the toll will be automatically deducted.
Drivers who don’t have a “Good to Go” pass will be automatically billed by mail (based on the address of the registered owner) paying an extra $1.50 as a result. Good to Go accounts can be set up via this WashDOT page. There won’t be any toll booths on the bridge.
Funds raised by the tolling will help pay for a new bridge, set to open in 2014.
More details on this WashDOT FAQ page.