DETROIT, August 6, 2021 ~ Monday, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel will reopen for vaccinated Americans wishing to visit Canada, so long as proof of vaccination is given,
“We are excited for Monday’s reopening of the tunnel for visitors to Canada,” said Detroit-Windsor Tunnel President Neal Belitsky to 760 WJR’s Paul W. Smith.
Travelers can use credit or debit cards, as cash payments will not be allowed to pay the $5 toll, or sign up for an account with Nexpress. Nexpress allows users to load payment onto their account, and use their balance to pay the toll ahead of their crossing, in addition to a discount for each toll: $3.95 for Nexpress users.
“We’ve been cashless since March of 2020 with the start of COVID, and it’s worked out very well for us. Travellers have accepted it, and so we are continuing with that,” said Belitsky. “Our friends on the Windsor side will be accepting cash through the end of December, and then they’ll move to a cashless only operation starting in January.”
August 6, 2021 ~ Detroit-Windsor Tunnel President Neal Belitsky tells Paul W. the tunnel reopens on Monday for vaccinated U.S. residents and they will not be accepting cash.
August 6, 2021 ~ Marie chats with Kevin about the workers strike at the Canadian border.
While this, Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) officers are currently demonstrating a work-to-rule strike, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
Almost 9,000 workers will be performing the minimum amount of work required by their contracts, while following their job descriptions to the letter. This means more strict investigation of persons and vehicles crossing, as well as precisely following all regulations, which will lead to longer wait times for those wishing to cross.
“The unions say they have three main issues,” said WJR Senior News Analyst Marie Osborne to 760 WJR’s Kevin Dietz. “They are seeking wage parity with other law enforcement agencies, they say they want better protection also from heavy-handed discipline the border agency hands out, and language that would allow certain members to work from home.”
Some commercial drivers on Friday reported a wait time of almost two hours to cross the border.
\”Our bargaining team representing CBSA employees has been in mediation with CBSA and Treasury all night and through to this morning, and we\’re giving them a bit more time to negotiate at the table,\” said PSAC in a statement. \”In the meantime, work-to-rule actions are underway at border crossings and airports across the country.\”
MORE ARTICLES: