Could Hwy 407 be free to Ontario drivers soon?

Saying that “I don’t believe in tolls,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed that an announcement is coming on the future of tolls on Highway 407.

Responding to questions following a press conference in Brampton today (Jan. 24) Ford suggested that traffic congestion is costing the economy $55 billion a year and that changes must be made to keep people moving.

“We’re going to be announcing something on the 407,” Ford told reporters saying his government has already cut tolls on Highways 412 and 418. “We’re going to continue working with the (operators of) 407…I don’t believe in tolls.”

Ford has often said that traffic is choking business in the GTHA by slowing it, which also affects the lives of commuters who have to leave for work earlier and get home later each day.

His comments come as he confirmed a provincial election will be held and as members of the media suggest the toll elimination could be “an election goodie” he offers to voters.

He has hinted in the past that working out a deal with the private operators of the 407 is a possibility, one that would subsidize drivers who use the route. Ford has also considered buying back the lease from the operators but that could be an expensive venture.

When the highway was built in the 1990s it was leased to a foreign-based consortium for $2.3 billion for a period of 99 years. The highway is now worth $35 billion according to government records.