Radio Station’s Prank Will Take $980,000 Toll

Wed., April 23, 1997

Compiled From Wire Services

It’s finally payback time for motorists caught in a traffic jam because of a radio station prank.

For three days next month, there will be no tolls on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The station’s former owners will pay $500,000 to cover the $1 toll on May 13-15.

They will also pay $480,000 for sign and bridge improvements and training for toll collectors, state transportation officials said Tuesday.

The ill-fated incident took place in May 1993 and was intended to poke fun at President Clinton after unproven reports that he tied up traffic at Los Angeles airport while getting a haircut on Air Force One.

A van from radio station KSOL parked across several westbound lanes of the bridge during the morning commute while an employee got a haircut, snarling traffic.

The former owners agreed to pay the money to settle a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of drivers.

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Radio Station’s Prank Will Take $980,000 Toll

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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