Published Thursday, December 12, 2002, by KCBS Radio AM 740

Fewer cars crossing Golden Gate Bridge, but toll hike still increases
revenue

(KCBS) -- Golden Gate Bridge District officials say fewer cars are
crossing the span but revenue has shot up during the first three
months of a much-debated toll increase.

KCBS Reporter Bob Melrose says the toll increased from three to five
dollars on September first.

In the three ensuing months, 82,000 fewer cars have paid the toll,
but revenue shot up 45 percent, meaning the district collected seven-
million dollars more compared to the same three-month period in 2001.

District Spokeswoman Mary Currie said the dip in traffic is not
unusual.

"Any time the tolls have been increased on the Golden Gate Bridge, we
do see a drop-off in traffic for several months following that
increase," she said. "We saw that in 1991. It takes two or three
months for traffic levels to return to their normal levels."

Curry said the district is still drowning in red ink, and more cuts
will have to be made to close the budget deficit.