Sydney Bridge Tolls match inflation

The Sydney Harbour Bridge toll increases from $3 to $4 (one way - peak periods) from 27 January 2009. This coincides with the abolition of cash collection with electronic tags required for all vehicles. Lower tolls apply outside peak periods ($2.50 at night and $4 in middle of the day). The 33% toll increase at first glance suggests a high rate of increase. However since the opening of the Bridge on 19 March 1932 and 27 January 2009, toll has increased by 4.9%pa - exactly equal to the latest Australian CPI increase to Sept quarter 2008, also at 4.9%pa.

Another iconic bridge, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, opened 5 years later than the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 23 March 1937. The GGB toll last increased on 2 September 2008 to US$6 one way. The rate of increase form the initial two way toll (equivalent to of US$0.50 one way) was 2.5%pa. US inflation over the same period was 3.8%pa.

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