Bay City Bridge Partners faces class action lawsuit over fee reimbursement and tolling cessation
A recent surge in controversy and protests has brought attention to the fluctuating costs associated with Bay City’s two toll bridges. In response to this growing issue, attorneys Matthew B. Hewitt and Philip L. Ellison filed a class action lawsuit against the corporation running the bridges and the city itself.
The lawsuit, filed in Bay County Circuit Court, has eight plaintiffs hailing from Bangor Township, Essexville, Kawkawlin, and Auburn. It aims to hold Bay City Bridge Partners (BCBP) accountable by seeking a judge’s order to demand the forfeiture and refund of all collected tolling fees. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that BCBP deliberately misled the public about the nature and costs of its tolling system and requests an injunction to prevent BCBP from continuing its current practices.
According to Hewitt, the original intent behind the partnership between Bay City and BCBP was to maintain infrastructure, ensure the bridges’ sustainability, and contribute to the city’s growth. However, Hewitt suggests that this partnership has disintegrated due to what he refers to as “corporate greed.”
BCBP, a subsidiary of United Bridge Partners based in Littleton, Colorado, entered into an agreement with Bay City in 2019 to rehabilitate and modernize the Liberty and Independence bridges that span the Saginaw River. Through this agreement, BCBP obtained a 75-year tolling concession for the two drawbridges with the purpose of relieving Bay City residents from the financial burden of maintaining the bridges. Despite assurances from BCBP that toll rates would be reasonable and affordable, the lawsuit contends that the partnership has been plagued by broken promises and unjust financial burdens on residents.
The lawsuit further alleges that BCBP improperly began tolling motorists on Independence Bridge before it was contractually justified, resulting in unexpected financial hardships for plaintiffs while benefiting the company. Moreover, BCBP reportedly failed to deliver on its promises of minimal disruptions on Independence Bridge, which has been regularly closed during overnight hours in violation of its agreement with Bay City.
In addition, the suit claims that BCBP breached its contract by introducing toll fees earlier than agreed upon and subsequently raising monthly rates without proper notice. These actions, the lawsuit asserts, have created economic decline and undue hardship on local businesses, with BCBP unjustly enriching itself at the expense of residents and violating consumer protection laws.
Hewitt emphasizes that Bay City shares responsibility in this matter as BCBP’s contracted partner and urges the city to rectify the situation before it leads to further economic decline and infrastructure decay. The lawsuit presents a critical opportunity for Bay City to address the issues at hand and restore public trust by holding BCBP accountable.
