MP Brian Masse (NDP – Windsor West) says that differences in the currency exchange rate are costing travelers and truckers way too much — millions of dollars too much.

The Windsor Star reported today that the MP is questioning why, despite a currency exchange that has been close to par for a couple of years, the loonie is undervalued next to the U.S. dollar at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

Masse, in a letter to federal Transportation Minister Denis Lebel, asked for intervention. "This is a discriminatory practice which cannot be justified at any level," he wrote.

On the U.S. side, tolls at the bridge are C$4.75 and US$4, the same as at the tunnel on the Detroit side.

In Windsor, the rates at the tunnel are C$4.50 to US$4.

At the bridge, truckers have a 50-cent difference per axle for trucks under 56,000 pounds and 75-cent difference per axle for tractor-trailers over 56,000 pounds.

It is the third time that Masse has requested the federal transportation minister to adjust the currency exchange issue at the bridge and tunnel.

For more on the story, check out The Windsor Star.