What is the reason for the toll booths on the Skyway Bridge?

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers using the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are increasingly concerned about traffic delays, particularly at the toll booths.

Noelle Leverentz shares her frustrations about the delays, stating, “Why are we all stopping every morning at the same spot? It backs up anywhere from 20 minutes to an extra hour.” She commutes from Parrish to St. Petersburg several days a week and has noticed the increase in traffic on I-275 northbound both before and after the toll plaza.

Leverentz believes that the problem has worsened over time due to rising development and infrastructure challenges. “There’s so much development and construction… the infrastructure of these roads was designed to keep up with it,” she notes.

She elaborates on the issue, claiming that the toll plazas contribute significantly to the traffic problem. “That’s where the main breakdown is. Where you could have two lanes consistently going through,” Leverentz adds.

Despite SunPass users having quicker access, they still have to merge with cash payers, exacerbating the delays. This situation has led to discussions among drivers about the potential for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to eliminate toll booths entirely in favor of a cashless system, similar to practices in other areas of the state.

According to Ivette Ruiz-Paz from Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), the department is continuously reviewing tolling technology to enhance customer experiences. “We are in the initial stages of studying the possibility of adding tolling enhancements for other facilities throughout the state,” she stated, emphasizing that it is still too early to share specific plans.

Ruiz-Paz also pointed out that cashless tolling has seen success in other regions of Florida. Leverentz is hopeful for a future without toll booths at the Skyway Bridge, suggesting a more streamlined system. “Seems like they just could make it a two-lane highway. Do bill by plate. Knock the whole thing down,” she expressed.

For SunPass users, there’s currently a price incentive: a two-axle vehicle pays $1.16 with SunPass, compared to $1.75 for cash payments. This difference may partially ease the frustration for users, but the ongoing traffic challenges remain a pressing issue.

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