If toll revenue projections are not met, 1 of 3 things could happen:
1- The tolling period is extended, as in, tolls are collected for additional years until the necessary revenue is reached.
2- Toll amounts are increased to generate more revenue. Yes there is an economic breaking point where if you increase the toll too high, no one drives across. But realistically even a $15 toll is not going to cause significant diversion, and I fully expect the initial toll to be less than $10.
3- If all else fails, the bond holders who bet on the bridge are out the money, and not the Michigan Taxpayer. Toll bridges are generally very safe bets, especially at key crossings like this one. It is a big part of the reason Matty Moroun is so rich.
Either way, it is a pretty safe bet by Canada. And yes Detroit doesn’t get any of the toll revenue, but then again, Detroit isn’t paying to build or maintain it either.
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