Jacobs: E-ZPass To Replace AVI

By this time next year, motorists of Harford and Cecil counties will be dropping the sticker in favor of a transponder.

At least, that's the plan of the Maryland Transportation Authority, according to state Sen. Nancy Jacobs, who has been fighting to keep the tolls on the Hatem and Tydings bridges as close as possible to their current rates.

Jacobs proposed at a June public hearing in Havre de Grace that if the AVI decals must go, that locals be granted E-ZPass transponders at a rate similar to the $10-a-year stickers.

A report in The Sun stated: "The board agreed Thursday to phase out the decal system by September 2012 but to offer local residents E-ZPass options with no transponder fees and a much smaller toll increase. The annual rate, which is now $10, would go up to $20 in 2013 instead of the previously proposed $72."

Jacobs told The Sun the tolls on U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 95 will increase to $6 now, and to $8 on July 1, 2013.

The final vote on the MdTA tolls decision will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at 2310 Broening Highway in Baltimore, according to The Sun.

The Facebook page Jacobs and her staff created to communicate with constituents during the process to increase tolls reported a number of items Thursday. Among those was a response to a resident stating that the proposed fees for vehicles hauling trailers was "dramatically reduced" from the original proposal.

Jacobs credited those who attended June pubilc hearings in and for helping change the MdTA Board's stance.

submitted comments or told their personal stories about the impact of the proposed toll changes.

The toll on the Bay Bridge is likely to be lower than first recommended, The Sun said.

Check out these five stories on the Hatem Bridge toll saga that we think you need to read: