BAY CITY, MI — If you have driven over Bay City’s Liberty Bridge since June of last year, you may have just received a bill in the mail.
Bay City Bridge Partners began tolling on Liberty Bridge on June 16, and it began mailing invoices to motorists a few weeks ago. Officials announced the start of the billing process, along with ways motorists could potentially reduce or cancel their bills, earlier this month.
Related: If you’ve traveled Liberty Bridge without a transponder, expect a bill in the mail
But now that those bills are arriving in mailboxes, Bay City Bridge Partners is being inundated with calls.
“Due to the start of our Pay-by-Mail invoice process, our 855 Call Center and Walk-In Customer Service Center are experiencing longer than average wait times. We are working diligently to address questions with each customer in the most efficient manner possible,” reads a recent post on the Bay City Bridge Partners Facebook page.
“In addition to addressing customer questions and concerns about existing accounts and resident discounts, we are serving customers creating BC-PASS accounts and getting transponders for the first time. Although there were prior communications urging everyone to create their account before invoicing began, the receipt of a bill in the mail is creating a higher demand for customer service assistance.”
Related: Bay City bridge users could be getting billed soon, encouraged to check balances
To minimize wait times, customers are encouraged to visit in person rather than call for assistance, officials said.
“Our lines are moving smoothly, and our staff are ready to provide courteous and thorough support for all. Meanwhile, we appreciate everyone’s patience as we spend time with customers, providing education and helping them work through their account options,” the post continued.
Customers may visit 300 Center Ave., suite 101, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday for assistance.
What else should Liberty Bridge users know?
Which bridge is Liberty?
Liberty Bridge, which spills into the neighborhood surrounding the Midland Street commercial district, is Bay City’s first modern toll bridge.
Bay City Bridge Partners is leasing the bridge from the city and began charging tolls on it last summer.
BC-Pass
Having a BC-Pass ensures you will pay the lowest rate for your vehicle type, according to the Bay City Bridge Partners website. The BC-Pass is also required for the Bay City resident discount and for the monthly subscription rate. Families can register multiple transponders to one funded account.
Click here for more information and to get a BC-Pass.
Already have an account? Click here to access it.
Tolling rates
For Bay City residents with transponders, the tolling rate for class 1 passenger vehicles is free until 2028. Transponders are required to take advantage of the free tolls.
Click here for a map to see if you qualify as a Bay City resident.
For non-residents with transponders, the tolling rate is $2 per crossing or $15 per month for unlimited crossings.
Pay-by-plate without a transponder is $5.50 per crossing.
Click here for a complete guide to tolling rates for all vehicle types.
What about bicyclists and pedestrians?
Bicyclists and pedestrians can cross the bridge for free.
More about the bridges
Bay City Bridge Partners, a subsidiary of United Bridge Partners, leases the Bay City-owned Liberty and Independence bridges.
Bay City Bridge Partners started charging tolls on Liberty Bridge last summer.
Bay City Bridge Partners officials are rehabilitating Independence Bridge in preparation for it being converted to a toll bridge. Crews last year began pouring concrete for new decking on the structure, leading to multiple closures in recent months.
The Independence Bridge renovation project is on track for completion at the end of 2024, Bay City Bridge Partners officials have said.
For more information, visit baycitybridgepartners.com.
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