The Blue Water Bridge (BWB) — which connects Point Edward, Ont. to Port Huron, Mich. – is transitioning to fully cashless tolling from April 1.

This transition will result in faster transaction times, reduced wait times and a lower environmental footprint by minimizing vehicle idling, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) said in a news release.

The BWB recently expanded accepted payment methods to include American Express (Amex) and Discover credit cards for all U.S.-bound toll transactions. These, along with existing debit and credit card options and the ConneXion pre-paid toll program, give travelers a variety of payment choices, FBCL said.

“These changes represent a significant step forward in modernizing the Blue Water Bridge,” said Karen Richards, chief operating officer at FBCL. “By transitioning to cashless tolling, we are streamlining operations, reducing processing time at the toll booths and minimizing wait times for travelers.”

FBCL also announced adjustments to toll rates.

For trucks, the cost per axle using ConneXion is $5 and $7 for debit and credit cards. The commercial per axle rate applies to all vehicles at or above 2.45m (8 feet).

The adjusted toll rates are necessary to address rising maintenance and capital costs, ensuring sufficient funding for future infrastructure projects at the BWB, including ongoing maintenance and planned upgrades. FBCL conducts semi-annual toll rate reviews, with the next review scheduled for Oct. 1.

Nova Scotia to remove truck toll on MacKay Bridge

Meanwhile, as part of its 2025 budget, Nova Scotia has announced it will be removing tolls on the two Halifax Harbour Bridges, effective April 1, according to an Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) news release.

Halifax Harbour Bridges has confirmed with APTA that commercial vehicles are also included in this announcement and will no longer be charged to cross the MacKay Bridge, as of April 1. However, they will continue to enforce oversize and prohibited vehicles from using the bridge.