I think the tax on the Bay Bridge is spot on. It targets primarily folks from DC and VA who are traveling to Ocean City or Delaware, and won't really be deterred if the toll is higher than $2.50.

You could always create a separate lower rate for commuters, which encourages people to get EZ passes, which saves even more money because it requires less labor from poll operators who take cash.

Ithink that Cecil County is getting screwed with the toll hike. Im really guessing they dont want people from Cecil County to spend money in other areas seeing they would have to pay $8.00 to gey back home.

@Scott:
Your comment concerning "folks from DC and VA" couldn't be further from the truth. That is not the bulk of traffic that crosses the Bay Bridge each and every day. It is the people from the Eastern Shore who have to commute to Balt., Annapolis and DC each day. Have you been on the bridge @ 5:00 AM on a weekday? It isn't a whole lot different than beach traffic on a Sunday afternoon! I know... I'm in that traffic each and every day on my way to work in Balt. City. And a separate rate for commuters? This is The Republik of Maryland. It's commuters they are going after!

Thank you Congressman Harris! You're doing exactly what we on the shore elected you to do. Standing up to the thugs who have been running roughshod over us for decades!

This is a STATE matter, not a FEDERAL matter. I thought Republicans did not believe in interfering in state issues.

wow...who woke harris up? i thought he was going to washington to work on jobs...jobs...jobs... but i havent heard those words out of his mouth since he got there. boy were we taken!

I remember the promise made when the Fort McHenry Tunnel was proposed: 'Tolls will be removed when the bonds are paid'. The lies coming from Annapolis grow bigger and bigger each year.

Andy's probably just realized Congress won't cover his tolls, in the same way he whined about his congressional health insurance not kicking in until he was on the job at least 30 days. He's just making noise about O'Malley.

I dont care not vote for any you S B any more GTH

Aren't they also talking about raising tolls for the Harbor Tunnel? Note to Andy: Baltimore isn't rural.

They can't find enough makeup for this clown.

Amen...I have lived in Cecil County for 8 years and I am tired of the Cecil County Tax. One poster mentioned the EZPass and a reduced rate. Well, for the Hatem Bridge we had a decal system that was great. Yeah, you had to take an extra 10-15 minutes to circumnavigate from 95 over to 40, bur it saved money. Now, they are going to jack up the EZPass rate to at least $2.50 a trip from $.80 AND discontinue the decal system. So, for a family that goes to Baltimore to work EVERY DAY, how much is that? If you work a minimum of 200 days a year, that is a minimum of $500 in tolls to live in Cecil County. I'm sorry. You want to TAX travelers from out-of-state, fine, but why should MD residents get screwed?!?!?!?!?

You don't like paying gas taxes, vehicle registration fees and tolls? I have an easy solution for you:

Move to the city, take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk to work. Nobody forced you to move to the Eastern shore and commute over 100 miles a day to work. That is unsustainable living.

The Bay bridge is nearing 50 years old, and maintenance costs have risen while the tolls have stayed the same for what, 30 years?

And to say the toll increases affect only the people commuting from the Eastern shore is bull. The same is happening at both Tunnels in Baltimore which effects urbanites and interstate travelers as well.

This from the same guy who railed against government healthcare, but asked when his coverage started on his first day of congress.

Andy Harris is sooo far removed from reality that his comments are not worthy of publication. Just another political stunt of his...so tiring...such a hyporcrite.

You don't like paying gas taxes, vehicle registration fees and tolls? I have an easy solution for you:

Move to the city, take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk to work. Nobody forced you to move to the Eastern shore and commute over 100 miles a day to work. That is unsustainable living.

The Bay bridge is nearing 50 years old, and maintenance costs have risen while the tolls have stayed the same for what, 30 years?

And to say the toll increases affect only the people commuting from the Eastern shore is bull. The same is happening at both Tunnels in Baltimore which effects urbanites and interstate travelers as well.

This from the same guy who railed against government healthcare, but asked when his coverage started on his first day of congress.

Jake

As you call this a socialist state like your ilk like to do, ponder this; Andy former neighbor in Timonium Bobby Erhlich pushed through the ICC that we really can't afford with some Lexus lanes on I-95 and we have to fund them. The Transportation Authority had plenty of money to maintain the stock we had (including the Preston Lane Bridge) until Bobby E exponentially raised the debt load. You'd think the reactionary right wingers get the script right before they stood on the soap box and howled at the moon. But our Andy is desperate to find a shore issue and this is the best he can do.

I too am a daily commuter from the Eastern Shore to DC. I have used EZ Pass for years. I spend more than $365 a year on my bridge tolls--but using that as an example. If I had to pay $5 a day for 365 days (as there is no gaurantee that it will be cheaper with EZ Pass) I will be paying $1825 per year in tolls alone. Guess who will be selling out and moving closer to my job---I don't want to; but as a single parent I moved to the Eastern Shore for my childrens education---but I cannot afford almost $2000 extra a year. It's a hard choice; but it's one I will have to make when the time comes. I thought that partial funds from the Lottery, current tolls, and gas taxes went to transportation and bridge/road maintenance? I love the Shore, but I will be saying Good Bye very soon if this increase takes place.

So both the Fort McHenry and Harbor Tunnel (both in urban areas) tolls are going up too. So how is this unfairly targeting rural areas exactly?? And shouldn't those who cause the most wear and tear on our roads and create the most air pollution have to pay more then those who choose to live near their work?? Nobody forced these suffering "commuters" to live on the Eastern Shore or work on the Western Shore.

And Harris knows the tolls are set by the owners of the facility (in this case, MdTA) and have nothing to do with federal funding. Trying to pull the wool over the "rural commuters" eyes.

And forced equitable spending on transportation? Isn't that the type of socialistic policy that Harris was sent to Washington to stamp out??

John has it right. This isn't a federal matter. Aren't Republicans supposed to favor less federal government intervention?

Plus, nobody HAS to commute from the eastern shore to Baltimore, Annapolis, or DC. People who opt to live in the hinterlands should expect to have to pay their fair share for maintaining the infrastructure required to live their chosen lifestyle, just as those who live in more urban areas and choose to drive to the eastern shore for vacation should.

I have not seen any comments concerning the impact of an $8 toll on local businesses (they pay taxes also). How many people will be willing to pay $8 to come over the Bay Bridge to eat or have drinks at restaurants, or attend boat shows and other events?

At the same time, O'Malley also wants to cut economic development on the Eastern Shore (as in all rural areas) which forces more Shore residents to commute to the Western Shore to work in Annapolis and Baltimore. Same with Cecil County residents who commute to places like Aberdeen and White Marsh if not all the way to Baltimore County. As for shopping though, i'm sure its even more incentive for Cecil folks to go to Delaware where its tax free anyway. Given the liberal elites love to target anyone who is not a yuppie urbanite or an illegal alien, I'm surprised they haven't put up a toll on the end of I-795 into Carroll County yet or another toll at Sideling Hill into Western Maryland.

Dear Eastern shore and Cecil County commuters to Baltimore and D.C.: YOU should pay the price tag for your 30 to 50 mile commutes, not ME. YOU elected to live there. I live a 20 minute walk from work, and I shouldn't have to participate in your SOCIALIZED road payment system.

"Scott" earlier here made a sensible proposal: two-tier rates. One for tourists who will simply roll the hgher toll into a large tourist expense versus farmers and commuters who need the bridge for economic value which grows by their toil. I'd add that a "conservative" position on this bridge and other main roads i that people should pay for what they use and don't pay for what they don't use. Economic choices should be encouraged. Many will take the "long route' around I-95 to rt 313 on the Shore to avoid the often unpleasant bridge experience. The choice would factor in the cost of more gas of course. Finally, I still think that a for-profit toll ferry service, connecting Calvert or St Mary County with Dorchester or Somerset Counties could be considered. The trip itself would be a tourist attraction, day trips and economic stimulus to less visited areas might be encouraged. At least look at it by a panel of transportation, local counties and hotel specialists?

Hard to feel sorry for all of those people who felt the need to build huge houses in the middle of corn fields on the Eastern shore and then needed to commute to Baltimore and DC to pay the mortgage.

You moved there knowing that the bridge was your achilles heel and that you were dependent upon both it and your vehicle to make your 100 mile round trip commute everyday.

I suppose the high gas prices are a war on rural MD too?

Here's a solution. Either take the pay cut and work where you live or sell your house and live where you work.

I like it when posters like Henry speak of commuters living in huge houses living in corn fields and need to commute to Baltimore. I live on Kent Island and several teachers who could not find jobs in Anne Arundel county teach in Queen Anne's County schools, and several of those that I know that live on Kent Island work for the Anne Arundel County Government and are dealing with furlough days and pay cuts. From what I have witnessed, this hardly constitutes living in large houses in corn fields. Those that I speak are fighting to stay in their homes and are dealing with the higher rates of services in the school systems, higher property taxes and electric rates, etc.(like everyone else). I was not aware that public school teachers were being paid enough to live in huge homes in corn fields. I learn something new every day. After increaing the commuting rates by the proposed nearly 300%, who is going to buy their homes?

Finally, if you really care, most of those that I spoke with would not mind the Bridge tolls going up another $1 or so, as long as it is reasonable. I have paid my toll charges for nearly 9 years, and know it is a cost of doing business. What I object to is a State Government who raids the Transportation Trust fund and then imposes nearly 300% increase of tolls at their discretion to pay off other debts. Finally, I bet I see as much corn out of my house as Henry does. Take a ride over here Henry and show me the corn man.

"Maryland Department of Transportation spokesman Jack Cahalan said many of the state's toll facilities cost more to maintain than they did to build."

Cahalan misses the point entirely. It is not the relationship between base construction cost to maintenance. The real issue is whether the current toll revenue associated with a structure is sufficient to pay the debt service, operation, and ongoing maintenance and capital improvement.

Mr. Cahalan continues, "...the state does not keep track of how much money is spent in rural areas versus urban ones."

Seriously? The State of Maryland cannot report on how much transportation spending is devoted to roads and other projects in each county? I wonder if they can tell us how much gas tax revenue is generated, by county? I imagine they can, and that is why they claim not to be able to tell you how much is returned to each county for roads and other projects. The numbers would show that rural Maryland pays far more in gas taxes than flows back to rural counties for infrastructure.

For those harping on the commuter aspect ... the commuter rate is only going up 50 cents, from $1 to $1.50.

Also for those individuals like me who don't travel enough to use the commuter rate, there is a shoppers rate (same as commuter) which gives you 25 trips over 6 months, instead of the 25 trips per month for commuters.

Harris is clueless. It seems like the only time we hear from him is when it is something that is a local issue. At the federal level he's too busy passing anit-aborition legislation to actually work on something would bring funds to the District and help us create more jobs. His comments on the GOP budget's impact to the District "We all are going to have to sacrifice."

"wow...who woke harris up? i thought he was going to washington to work on jobs...jobs...jobs... but i havent heard those words out of his mouth since he got there. boy were we taken!"
Posted by: opbilly

NO NO NO opbilly! That is Obama's job and he will announce his new job creating plans today. Supposed to be a big deal and bring many jobs to the people. What? What did you say? Oh, never mind! I guess I misheard that. He did such a great job creating jobs here he now wants to export his plan to the Muslims.

"Mr. Obama prepared to announce a broad job-creation plan for emerging democracies in the Middle East that includes up to $2 billion in U.S. aid for Egypt and Tunisia."

Another great example of a poorly written article; a Republican once again not knowing what he is talking about, and conservatives ranting and name calling without the facts.

Here is the proposed fee structure for the Bay Bridge ... At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge which tolls eastbound only, base car tolls should rise from $2.50 now to $5.00 Oct 2011 and to $8.00 in July 2013. Frequent user local discounts would go from $1.00 now to $1.50 later this year and to $2.80 in 2013.

So for infrequent drivers the increase should be managable; while the frequent drivers will still get their discounts although their commute will cost more just as other commuters have seen their costs increase. It would be nice to actually have an article written that provides the facts.

Some people have said that the people who use this bridge work in Baltimore, DC, and Annapolis. Well perhaps those people should be living in Baltimore, DC, and Annapolis. They shouldn't be asking for handouts to continue to finance their ridiculous lifestyle.

hay andy, maybe we should just close the bridge, that should make rural residents of the state happy. idiot.

The State has not really explained the complexity of why Toll fee's need to be raised. Is it because the limits of original toll facility have been extended so money can be transfered to Transit subsidy? Also by adjusting total State miles of highways within certain systems, is the State short changing Federal monies allocated under future Legislation? In today's world of rising cost, the consumer needs to know and have a justification for the increase. At this time, the only reason for the increase is that Maryland can just do it ! Please tell me why, Y or wye.

Again Harris gets it wrong!! First the Bay Bridge is a state thing not a rural issue.( true repub always trying to create a divide and earn a few points). The cost of $2.50 has been a (give) for years, every other major bridge on the east coast has been at least $5.00 or more for the past ten years.

I still don't think that people have gotten the point that Tolls have nothing to do with Federal funding. The MdTA is responsible for the Toll roads. They are responsible for setting the rates to pay for their facilities and roads. The SHA (State highway administration) uses money from the transportation fund. They are two sepearate administrations. Funding to the Transportation fund has nothing to do with the Toll increases. Harris knows this. I just think he has talking points that he uses to try and get a rise out of people because he knows that most people will just associate Toll increase with politics or taxes, even though the MdTA has nothing to do with either.

Jeff,
You are not totally correct, if you want, basic info, go to the MdTA web site and find the Non-Toll highways and "facilities" this Agency maintains with tolls {fee's) collected by users of the bridges, tunnels. This is a hot topic and really requires detailed and logical explainations. Just think if your bank was going to double your fee's, you and me would be outraged. The State knows there is little or no alternative, so why not $25.00. I pay more each day for certain items, but I can shop around for better prices, I can't find another bridge to drive over? So I am stuck without competition of pricing.
And by the way, please understand the MdTA is mixing there money with the SHA as a matter of Policy.

Despite the absudity of Harris' comments, I'd like to point out the fallacy of many who assume the people who live on the eastern shore opted to live there after securing employment in a far off jurisdiction. It will certainly be more of a financial hardship for those who grew up on the shore and bought houses long ago and later found work far away from their homes and families due to economic necessity. Don't jump to conclusions.

Seems to me, as MD does, is minipulating this issue as "need". The state raids the transportation budget for other concerns. I don't deny that the Bay Bridge is cheap, I commute to work over it avary day. But make it a point to set monies aside for a new bridge. Jack the toll to $10 and lets get it done. Secondly, do like NJ is doing and fire EVERY TOLL TAKER. EZ PASS or you get a fine. These jobs are obsolete, and would save the state even more money, let alone easing traffic.

Memories fade to quickly in Maryland - the bridges and tunnels were supposed to be paid for by the tolls and then they were to GO AWAY - What BS! This is just ANOTHER TAX BY O'LIAR! WAKE UP MARYLANDERS - WE NEED A DUAL REPRESENTATION. THE DEMOCRATS ARE SPENDING LIKE DRUNKEN SAILORS! GET RID OF ALL OF THEM!

perhaps he should consider giving back that gubment issued health care for him and his family as a way to cut the deficit

I am disgusted with the idea of raising the bridge toll from 2.50 to 5 dollars... I live on the eastern shore of maryland (partially for work, partially because this is where I have been raised) and I go to annapolis every weekend to see my father. I am about to begin classes at AACC and as a poor college student I don't think I am going to be able to afford to go to a good community college anymore.

I commute over an hour each way every day. I just purchased my home and would rather afford a nice home and area for my children to be raised in than live in the west shore in an unsafe area because it's all i could afford. It is a sacrifice, yes. However look at the revenues brought in to other states, like FL that heavily taxes tourists and occassional in state travelers as opposed to locals/commuters. They make it work. MD should be able to find a way to work with commuters. And to those that commented on working on the Eastern Shore... You show me where I can get a job to support my family and I gladly will.

This just Sucks. Come on Wages are getting smaller, small amounts of jobs, Our Money is worth 1/4 what it used to be. The $20 bill is the new $5 bill from 20 years ago.
Gas prices sky rocketing and new car prices are out of this world!! And now you want to tax us even more.
Come on and help the people for a change CUT THE SPENDING!!!!!!!

We all have to make sacrifice's, why don't you State of Maryland?

they cannot be serious, $5.00? then $8.00? i can understand $3.00 for 2011, and $5.00 for 2013, but $5 and $8 in two years is outrageous.

You know, the EZ-Pass argument holds up quite well. Why not just get the EZ-Pass if you are commuting everyday? I've been using it for years and it works like a charm. You're actually saving money ($1 per eastbound trip) by using it.

I've actually started with the DE EZ-Pass ($2 trip) and would need to switch mines to the MD one, so I'll actually be saving money either way. We are in tough financial times, so something must be done for infrastructure. Well hiking the cost is it. I live on the Eastern Shore and work in DC, so I'm always on the road. If you do the same, the EZ-Pass will help a lot.

I'm surprised that I haven't heard of the EZ-Pass cost until now. I wish the media would have mentioned this more than the $5 2011 - $8 2013 cost. MD residence deserves that knowledge.

Anyways, JUST GET THE EZ-PASS!!! You'll be saving money if you haven't made the swich from cash to the pass.

Anybody who opposes bridge (i.e. giant inftastructure overhead) toll increases has been living under a rock. Of course those who use the bridge should pay the most for the bridge.

I have news for you: people who are going over the bridge to out for dinner are NOT going to change their mind due to a $5 or $6 increase in the toll.

Mr. Harris, it must be nice. Unfortunately bridge work and asphalt does not grow on trees. Just as free health care is not provided to...your constituents. (oh that;s right you have to pay something from your government salary of you and your family) $120 month for 6? not bad. The toll increase is too high, it will be lower. Commuters to Wash. & Balt. you made the choice you use the structure, you should pay. If I use the bridge 10 times a year, I should pay. Discount for commuters, will be a part of the mix. Mr. Harris, wants to amend the Constitution , go for it, but threatening to not pay our bills....big surprise, market drops, rating drop, and surprise... interest reates go up. A 2% increase in rates will cost the American taxpayer $100 million a year. The partisian sound bites...stop, just get to work on providing solutions. Infrastructure investment, extend business tax credits for new hires,close loop holes and pass free trade agreements. We have to demand more from our representatives.