A system installed above the 520 bridge deck will scan Good to Go Passes and read license plates, deducting from prepaid accounts or sending bills to vehicle owners via mail. (Credit: WashDOT)

It is going to get a lot more costly to cross the 520 floating bridge next week — one of the main corridors that technology workers in the state travel each day. Electronic tolling will take effect on the bridge on December 29th, with rates varying depending upon the time of crossing and whether drivers have pre-purchased a Good to Go pass which affixes to the front window of a vehicle.

The Washington State Department of Transportation — which has been monitoring traffic flows across the bridge for the past several days — reports that just 20 percent of the 100,000 cars have the pass. Of those who have purchased one, 15 percent have not yet been activated with the minimum $30 balance.

Looks like some drivers will have a little sticker shock starting next week. For those who have a pass, tolls from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. will be $3.50. Those without the pass — who will be charged by mail through a technology that identifies a vehicle’s license plate — will pay $5 during that time period. The same rates apply from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — one of the heaviest commute times on the bridge.

Since so many technology professionals live on one side of Lake Washington, and commute to the other, we’re curious whether you’ve purchased a Good to Go pass. Vote here:

Meanwhile, here’s a look at Glenn Farley’s report from KING 5.


Editor’s note: KING 5 and GeekWire are news partners. 

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