The public is invited to join the staff of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolling program at one of five workshops related to tolling guidelines on the new Narrows Bridge. When the parallel suspension span opens to traffic in April 2007, each vehicle headed in the eastbound direction will be charged a $3 roundtrip toll. The guidelines will affect all motorists who use the Narrows Bridges.

By holding workshops, the State Department of Transportation hopes to tap into the views of bridge users on such topics as customer incentives, payment methods, fines related to violations, and much more.

Some of the questions explored at the workshops include: What tolling guidelines should apply to drivers who opt to use the manual toll lanes? Should these drivers be able to pay with cash and credit/debit cards, or only cash? Should drivers who travel across the bridge without paying the toll be charged a fine? Should people who enroll early on for an electronic pass (transponder) receive incentives? Should transponders be available at such locations as gas stations, grocery stores, and banks?

A meeting in Tacoma will be held Mon., Nov. 7 at Tacoma Alliance Church, 2401 S. Orchard St. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Additional meetings will be held in Silverdale (Nov. 1), Port Orchard (Nov. 2), and Lakebay (Nov. 9).

For directions to the workshops and to learn more about the new Narrows Bridge tolling operation, visit the project Web site at http://www.tacomanarrowsbridge.com.