Confederation Bridge considers card-only payments on overnight crossings

Toll operators at the Confederation Bridge are asking drivers how they'd feel about the fixed link only accepting debit, credit and gift card payments during the overnight hours.

This is part of a30-day pilot project that beganNov. 21.

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MichelLeChasseur, general manager of Straight Crossing, the company that operates the bridge,said tolloperatorsreportedonly eightcash transactions on average during the overnight hours.

He said the project is just to gauge feedback and for "feeling out what works and what doesn't" regarding non-cash payments that would only be in effect from October to the end of May.

It really disturbs me, Mr. Speaker. This bridge is in essence owned by the people of Canada. Richard Brown

Currently, there is only one toll operator stationed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with just two lanes thathave tap and go whichtake debit, credit and giftcards.

If Straight Crossing decides they want to pursueovernight card-only payments, they will have to make a submission to Transport Canada.

MLAsfrustrated with the idea

Government House Leader Richard Brown and Transportation Minister Paula Biggar denounced the idea in legislature on Friday.

"It really disturbs me, Mr. Speaker. This bridge is in essence owned by the people of Canada," Brown said during question period.

"How does somebody show up at 5 o'clockin the morning, Mr. Speaker, have to go to a medical appointment and they have no credit card, how do they get across the fixed link?"

After question period, Paula Biggartold CBCshe'd be speaking with Marc Garneau, the federal ministerof transportation, expressing her desireto keep the bridge "accessible at all times with all modes."

"I'm concerned ... that it could restrict access for anyone who needs to use the bridge," she said.

"I'll be writing a letter in that regard."

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