Close to 2,700 new BreezeBy accounts have been opened since January 1, 2018, largely in response to the February 1 toll increase. The majority of new accounts were set up online using the new customer account management web portal. The electronic tolling system now saves passenger cars and trucks $1 per crossing on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge.

The Port of Hood River Commission voted to increase tolls in early December, citing the need to plan for up to $51 million in repairs and capital upgrades to the existing bridge over the next fifteen years while at the same time completing required pre-development steps that precede construction of a replacement bridge. 100% of the new toll revenues are dedicated to the Port’s Bridge Repair & Replacement Fund.

Base toll rates for passenger vehicles have doubled for cash-paying customers, going from $1 to $2 per crossing. Existing BreezeBy users have had a more modest increase, with per crossing rates going from 80¢ to $1 for two-axle vehicles. Toll rates depend on vehicle class with commercial trucks, RVs, and trailers paying $3 per axle for cash, $2 per axle on BreezeBy.

The Port’s new online BreezeBy account management system enables customers to open accounts online and receive transponders in the mail, avoiding the need to visit Port offices during business hours. There are no fees to open an account, and each household receives one transponder for free. After that, each additional transponder is $5. Customers can expect to receive new transponders in the mail within 3-5 business days.

Information and registration is available at portofhoodriver.com. For more information, contact the Port via email at info@portofhoodriver.com or visit the Port office at 1000 E. Port Marina Drive in Hood River. Spanish language customer services are available.