http://www.boston.com/dailynews/361/nation/Golden_Gate_Bridge_toll_hike_c:.shtml

Golden Gate Bridge toll hike considered as Sept. 11 attacks, layoffs cut into crossings

By Associated Press, 12/27/2001 02:52

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) The Golden Gate Bridge toll, currently $3 for southbound traffic, may be on the rise next year due to declining crossings.

Bridge officials say layoffs and concerns about travel following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have slashed the number of people who cross the historic span or use public buses and ferries.

That's creating a multi-million-dollar budget deficit.

Golden Gate Bridge District board member Maureen Middlebrook said no specific amount has been discussed, though she does see a hike coming.

The district will take a closer look at a possible toll hike this spring.

Traffic on the bridge is down about 4 percent from last year, a drop that has cost the district's budget $5 million. If the decline continues, officials say, the budget gap could reach $11 million dollars in fiscal 2002-03.

-- Anonymous, December 27, 2001

Answers

I realized a few weeks ago that the number of rush-hour wrecks has dropped quite a bit, due, I'm sure, to the high number of layoffs around here.

By the way, Sweetie has a one-month reprieve. He got official word that something has come up on a project and they would like to extend his layoff date to February 1.

-- Anonymous, December 27, 2001