System transponders enable discounted tolls for both toll bridges in the Gorge
The Port of Hood River’s BreezeBy electronic tolling system has been operational at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks since January 6.
Bridge users who have signed up for BreezeBy will pay only $1.25 per crossing at the Bridge of the Gods, and $1.00 at the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge, versus $2.00 cash tolls at both bridges. (Toll rates depend on vehicle class, with larger class vehicle tolls determined by the number of axles.)
Current Port of Hood River BreezeBy customers don’t need to do anything to be able to use their transponders on the Bridge of the Gods. BreezeBy customer account statements will depict which bridge was crossed for each charge to the account balance.
In Cascade Locks, BreezeBy transponders replace the Port of Cascade Locks “Local Stickers” and coupon books that have traditionally provided local commuters with discounted tolls. After February 3, coupons are no longer valid for toll payment on the Bridge of the Gods, but customers can convert unused bridge coupon value to BreezeBy account credit at either Port office during regular business hours.
New BreezeBy customers can open an account online and receive their transponders in the mail. There are no fees to open an account, and each account receives one transponder for free; each additional transponder costs $5.00.
New accounts can be created online at portofcascadelocks.org or portofhoodriver.com. There is no required personal identification to open an account, but each transponder is linked to a specific vehicle so the make, model, color, year, and license plate number is required. New customers should expect to receive their new transponders in the mail within 3-4 business days, depending on the volume of orders. New customers can also open accounts at either Port office during regular business hours. New accounts cannot be created at the toll booths, however, due to traffic flow and safety concerns.
The “BreezeBy” system was first implemented for the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge in 2006, establishing the first electronic tolling system in Oregon. The system utilizes prepaid funds and transponders to facilitate faster commutes through the toll plaza and provide user discounts.
For more information, contact the Port of Cascade Locks via email to rvollans@portofcascadelocks.org or stop by the Port office at office at 427 Portage Road in Cascade Locks. Questions can also be directed to the Port of Hood River via email to info@portofhoodriver.com, or visit the Port office at 1000 E. Port Marina Drive in Hood River.