Tolling Comes to SR 520
http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/03/23/520_bridge_drivers_will_get_a_bill_not_a
Unlike the Narrows Bridge, the 520 system will be fully automated. You will use a transponder and if you do not have one, you will receive a bill in the mail based on your license plate. This system will be similar to how the Golden Ears Bridge in Vancouver, BC will operate.
The controversy is that there will only be a small fine assigned to those without a transponder unlike the large fine assigned to Tacoma Narrows Bridge users. Keep in mind however that since this system will have no toll booths this does make sense. Users without transponders can stop at the toll booths there.
An update to the story shows that if this system works, toll booths could come off the Narrows Bridge as well:
Craig Stone, director of DOT’s toll division, said the toll booths on the new Narrows Bridge might, indeed, be removed some day. “I do anticipate that at some point in time we will ask, ‘Should we not remove the cash (collection toll booths) from TNB (Tacoma Narrows Bridge). But today is not that day.”
Stone said they want to see how things work on the 520 bridge, first. He noted the contract with TransCore runs to 2012, but the state has the ability to cancel the contract.
More: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr520bridge/upa/
Ben