MYNORTHWEST NEWS

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-Eleven...

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 &#8212 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.

MyNorthwest News

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

8 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

10 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

12 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

12 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

12 hours ago

Image: A Tacoma teen was shot outside her Tacoma Hilltop area apartment over the weekend....

Heather Bosch

Estranged boyfriend suspected in Tacoma teen’s death turns himself in

We're learning more about the man who's accused of fatally shooting a teenager outside her Tacoma Hill Top area apartment over the weekend.

13 hours ago

Would you like coffee with your toll?