Blue Water Bridge. BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin.Blue Water Bridge. BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin.
Sarnia

Lack Of Bridge Discount Taking Its Toll

A Sarnia man has launched a petition online to bring back a discount program for people who frequently cross the Blue Water Bridge.

The Federal Bridge Corporation, which owns and operates the Canadian side of the span, discontinued its token program in April 2016 and had planned to launch a new commuter discount program that fall.

Shaun Conway claims the corporation is dragging its feet on the issue to increase revenue, and it's costing his family hundreds of dollars each year.

"With a family member that is crossing daily, five days a week, my fiancé, we have done the math and we're looking at over $700 to $1,000 [per year], depending if there's any extra travel," says Conway.

The token program ended because the corporation said it was too costly to administer.

"I understand it wasn't financially feasible for the bridge to continue the token program, but I feel like they cancelled it without a plan in place and this has resulted in increased revenue for them and problems for the 'little guy.'"

Federal Bridge Corporation spokesman Andre Girard assures the public work they're still working to establish a new program.

"It is a priority that's been a priority from day one," says Girard. "The issues we're facing, which are delaying the program, are related to programming. It's a software integration thing."

He says their objective is to get that program, similar to what's offered at the Sault Ste. Marie bridge, going as soon as possible.

The "Prox card" program offers a 10% discount for two crossings over 30 days, a 20% discount for eight crossings and 30% discount for nine or more.

To view or sign Conway's petition, click here.

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