31-03-2025
Tolls to increase at Rainbow, Whirlpool, Lewiston Queenston bridges in May
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Tolls are set to increase at three Western New York U.S-Canada border crossings in May, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission said Monday.
Rainbow Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, and Lewiston Queenston Bridge will be affected by the change.
Starting on May 1, standard passenger vehicles will be required to pay $6 ($8.50 CAD) from the current $5, while standard five-axle vehicles will be required to pay $34 ($48.50 CAD), a jump from the current $32.
This is the first time since August 2022 that tolls have bumped up, going from $4 for passenger vehicles to $5, with hikes for buses, RVs, limos and trucks as well. The bridge commission said that increased costs of goods and materials as well as ongoing maintenance expenses have caused the costs to go up.
The commission added that commercial traffic has remained similar or increased slightly as compared to this time last year, but auto traffic has 'substantially reduced.' In fact, border crossings for February were down over 14% compared to February 2024, according to Visit Buffalo Niagara. Destination Niagara USA said hotel occupancy is down 11%.
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'It is likely that this reduction is predominantly due to the existing exchange rate, which has historically impacted border crossing patterns, and to some extent the Buy Canadian campaigns and general uncertainty about the application of duties and taxes on consumer goods,' the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission said in a statement Monday.
The bridge commission added that it has not received outreach from trucking companies as to how tariffs could affect their businesses.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.
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