The implementation of tolls on Portland area interstates will be challenging [View all]

It's pretty clear that gas tax revenues will not be able to support the bonds to build the new I-5 bridge or upgrades on the 1-205 Abernethy Bridge in Oregon City. Tolling will be needed as part of the revenue stream, and help manage congestion.

Tolls were collected when the southbound 1-5 span was built in 1958 (15 cents if I remember). The toll booths were removed when those bonds were retired. Tolls are currently collected on both Columbia crossings in Hood River County.

I hope that ODOT and the Port of Hood River will look at joining the automated toll system used in Puget Sound. One system with one transponder will make tolling easier to sell to the public. Interoperability with Bay Area bridge authorities (and other systems nationwide) would also be beneficial.

On the east coast, EZ-PASS covers a wide geography, and is also used in many parking garages.

Let's make this easier for everyone, and not duplicate administration costs for tolling in each fiefdom.