Okay, I have to vent about this and ask some questions. I know that the tolls are used to pay for the bridge. However...
The monthly bridge pass sounds logical for people who live full time north of the bridge. However, it is my understanding that locals do not have to pay any toll to get across the bridge. Is that correct? Do non-citizen property owners who live full-time north of the bridge have to pay?
And what about those property owners who own property north of the bridge? Are we not already paying property taxes? If you own property slightly north rather than far north, it is impractical to boat to your property if you just want to go to the bakery or the fruit stand, for example. Therefore, the only way to get to your property is across that bridge.
We have to pay to get to our own property that we are paying property taxes on! Isn't that something akin to double taxation?
Also, everyone knows that the majority of tourists come to the island for one week vacation. The lucky ones may stay two. So WHY on earth would the town council NOT sell one week passes?! Is it all about getting more money from the tourists, who are already paying airfare, hopper plane fare, taxi fare, lodging, excursions, meals, drinks, and souvenirs? Come on! Most tourists do not stay a month....but the only option for the bridge pass is for a month at $150 BZ/$75 US.
Also, is there anyone keeping up with the tolls that have come in and whether or not they have taken in enough to pay off the loan for the bridge yet? I know it has been at least four years now.
Maybe I don't have all the details and facts, but it sounds crummy to me.