Tom Rose received a shocking bill when he opened up a letter from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), advising his son owed more than $18,000 in bridge toll fees. It appears drivers must register and pay for a Good To Go Pass to cross the 520 bridge. This can become a costly venture for travelers who are unaware of the policy or how it is billed. For many, including Rose’s son, he believed the WSDOT would bill him for the toll charges, but he never received a bill.
His father did and it was enough to contact the media and the agency to see what happened. Shockingly, Rose’s son only owes $1,360 in bridge tolls. The remainder of $16,000 plus are civil penalties.
That is more than 1,000 percent of the original charge. Interestingly enough it was discovered when WSDOT was confronted by journalists regarding their heady billing process, they discovered bills mailed to the Rose family were returned, due to an incorrect address. The agency is now backpedaling, and advising they can work with Rose on the civil penalties, and naturally the toll costs would be due. Based on the policies of the Good To Go Pass process, it appears more than Rose is showing frustration and a class action lawsuit is already in the works.
A group of attorneys, one who was hit with a massive bill from WSDOT, are creating a class action lawsuit against the agency. Attorney Amy Funchess is leading the suit, and said the policies are confusing and the department irresponsible with their handling of the process.
The WSDOT website discusses the rates of the Good to Go Pass, including a required $30 fee to open the account since they consider it a prepaid option. WSDOT states they are tolling the bridge for future renovations to expand it, and minimize congestion.
Former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire (D) signed the legislation, labeled ESHB 2211, back in 2009.