Just Drop the Tolls and Break Even

The Richmond Metropolitan Authority voted Tuesday to raise the tolls from 50 to 70 cents. Twenty more cents is what drivers will need to come up with by September. The increase is happening at the Powhite Plaza and at the Lumbardi Plaza on 195. Seventy cents is what motorist will have to shell out come this fall. It's the first increase to the tolls in 10 years. RMA chairman James Jenkins says, "It was an action the board regretted having to take." It was a vote that barely passed, 7 to 6 in favor of the hike. Board members say inflation caused the increase. Jenkins says, "We found it necessary in order to meet the higher cost of operating and maintaining the toll system."