Would you like coffee with your toll?
Mar 10, 2016, 4:56 PM | Updated: 5:03 pm
Proposed plan in the transportation budget could have toll booths doubling as Starbucks or 7-Elevens. (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
And you thought Starbucks shops were already everywhere they could be. Well, you were wrong.
Would you like coffee with your toll?
The Tacoma News Tribune reports that the state’s recently passed transportation budget could put in motion a plan to convert some toll booths into convenience stores, or even drive-thru coffee stands — specifically the toll booths at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Transportation budget includes improvements to I-405 express toll lanes
The transportation budget, yet to be approved by Gov. Jay Inslee, sets forth a new study that could add a little flare and convenience to toll operations. The study will investigate the potential of toll booths doubling as concession stands. Rep. Jesse Young, R-Gig Harbor, refers to the idea as “toll by coffee.” The end result could be the leasing of booth space to companies. They would then act as 7-Elevens or even Starbucks, Young said. Having walk-in stores in the area of the booths is also on the table.
The idea is that cashiers could collect tolls along with other convenience purchases. Young argues that the state can save money on contracts it has with private toll booth operators.
The News Tribune also reports that toll hikes expected to come to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge won’t likely be coming after all. Commuters who frequent the bridge have been concerned that a 50 cent increase to the toll could have been coming as soon as this summer. But money in the state’s recently passed transportation budget will negate the need for the increase. Rep. Young told the Tribune that the budget has enough funds to potentially hold off toll increases for a few years.
