Confederation Bridge self-serve changes ahead

There are two big changes in store for drivers who cross the Confederation Bridge: self-serve toll lanes that are easier to use and a self-serve shuttle service. 

More than 2,000 customers shared their suggestions via an online survey with the bridge in October. 

I think it's going to be a great interest to regular users.— Michel LeChasseur, Confederation Bridge manager

"These are the two main things that we see as tweaking the recipe for clients to be happier with our services," said bridge manager Michel LeChasseur.

He said some travellers felt the two unstaffed self-serve lanes were hard to use.

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"It's sort of gymnastics to get at the PIN pad, so essentially one of the solutions would be enabling a tap-and-go system," LeChasseur said, adding that would likely be installed over the winter.

The other big change would be a self-serve shuttle service: a reduced rate for people who cross the bridge in their own vehicles as long as they return within a certain time period.

LeChasseur said people have complained the current shuttle service is too slow. The company's contract requires shuttles every two hours, and many people find that too long. 

"I think it's going to be a great interest to regular users," he said, pointing to many parents who drop off their kids to attend universities in the other Maritime provinces. 

LeChasseur said the regular shuttle would also still be offered.

The details of how the self-serve shuttle system would work are still being developed, he said, and would also require approval from Transport Canada.