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Bridge staff report shows drop in commercial U-turns after new credit-card policy; $62,456 in insufficient-fee revenue recorded
Summary
Bridge staff reported a decline in commercial U-turns after implementing a Dec. 30, 2024 rule requiring credit cards on file and auto‑replenish; staff reported $62,455.75 in insufficient-funds collections and 5,089 active commercial accounts.
Bridge staff reported Jan. 15 that a December 2024 policy requiring commercial account holders to keep a credit card on file with auto‑replenish has reduced the number of commercial U‑turns and improved revenue collection.
Staff reported that as of December 2024 the World Trade Bridge recorded about 195,000 commercial crossings and Colombia about 26,000, for a combined figure committee staff summarized as roughly 221,000 commercial crossings year‑to‑date. Staff said there are 5,089 active commercial accounts and that most U‑turn events come from a small number of accounts: five accounts had multiple U‑turn incidents in the period reviewed, and the total revenue collected from insufficient-funds fees was $62,455.75.
Staff said the credit‑card requirement and auto‑replenish policy took effect Dec. 30, 2024. Under the policy, accounts with insufficient funds will be charged via the on‑file card and auto‑replenish executes hourly; staff review suspended accounts each morning and reactivate accounts when payment errors are resolved.
Committee members asked how the insufficient‑funds revenue is tracked and where the money is held; staff replied that the department has used those funds in prior budgets and that available bridge funds are part of departmental operations. Members praised the drop in U‑turns but asked for continued monitoring and clear reporting on how collected fees are used.
