Bay City Drivers Finally Getting A Break On Bridge Tolls This Summer

If you’ve driven through Bay City lately, you already know the bridge toll situation has been a hot topic for a while now. Between complaints from drivers, legal fights, and frustration over pricing, a lot of people haven’t exactly been thrilled about paying to cross the Liberty and Independence bridges.

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But now, according to MLive, Bay City Bridge Partners is rolling out something drivers might finally appreciate this summer.

How The Bay City Summer Toll Discount Works

Starting June 6 through August 30, weekend tolls are getting cut in half for drivers using a BC-PASS transponder. That means Class 1 vehicles will only pay $1 on Saturdays and Sundays, while Class 2 vehicles will pay $2.

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And there’s an even bigger deal planned for the Fourth of July. On July 4, everybody crosses for free. No transponder needed, no account required. Just drive through. Bridge officials say the promotion is meant to help families travel and celebrate during what’s also being recognized as the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

What Drivers Need To Qualify For Discounts

There are still some catches to the summer discount. Drivers need an active BC-PASS account with money loaded onto it and an approved payment method on file to qualify for the half-off weekends.

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People can sign up for BC-PASS in person at the Center Avenue office in Bay City with a valid ID, vehicle registration, and a debit or credit card.

Backlash Over Bay City Bridge Tolls Continues

What’s interesting is this comes after a lot of backlash aimed at Bay City Bridge Partners over toll policies, especially after the company announced non-residents would eventually lose eligibility for monthly bridge passes after 2025.

So while not everybody is sold on the toll system itself, at least drivers are finally getting a little bit of a summer break.