Two new commuter fare proposals available online for Mackinac Bridge customers

Contact: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-619-7963

Agency: Transportation

June 11, 2009 -- The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today announced that two new commuter fare proposals are now online for public review at www.mackinacbridge.org. One proposal calls for a discounted rate on a return trip within 24 hours (24-hour rule), while the other is based on a minimum number of trips per year in addition to the 24-hour rule.

"With either of these proposals, current customers would keep their 'old' commuter cards and their balances would transfer," said Bob Sweeney, MBA executive secretary. "Anyone with a 'Quick Card' also would be eligible for the discounted trips."

The MBA Fares, Fees, and Classifications Committee will meet on July 9 at the Little Bear East Arena and Community Center in St. Ignace to take comments in person from anyone interested in the proposed policies. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. Comments can be e-mailed to parsonsb@michigan.gov until 5 p.m. on July 8. Written comments must be submitted to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, N415 I-75, St. Ignace, MI, 49781, by 5 p.m. on July 8.

Once adopted, the new commuter policy would take effect on January 1, 2010, the date the "old" commuter cards expire.

Sweeney added, "We encourage customers with existing commuter cards to review our proposals and offer any comments before the board makes a final decision on July 10."

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