[Carry_Okie]

The cost estimates keep changing, and there is talk of raising the tolls yet AGAIN to pay for the new bay bridge. Tolls are already $3. The earthquake that knocked down a piece of the Bay Bridge was in 1989, and the politicians are still arguing over the design of the new bridge. I just want to knock their heads together and kick their sorry butts.

Valid complaints, every one.

The big problem is that much of the brige toll doesn't fund the bridge; it subsidizes mass transit. Nix that. If mass transit is such a benefit, let it pay for itself instead of enriching local developers and contractors.

Let's say the price of a fancy bridge was going to be $5 a trip. People should be given a choice between a $3 bridge and a $5 bridge, with the attending considerations presented clearly. If they want the expensive bridge, that's it.

All the costs should be paid out of tolls. In NO case should the State be involved at all except to arrange the financing for the amount necessary to build a minimialist bridge on the grounds of earthquake repair. Anything beyond that benefits the Bay Area alone and should be funded locally.

[WildTurkey]

The big problem is that much of the brige toll doesn't fund the bridge; it subsidizes mass transit. Nix that. If mass transit is such a benefit, let it pay for itself instead of enriching local developers and contractors.

Willie Green alert!