Tolls, public transit costs set to rise

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the agency responsible for coordinating transportation and infrastructure projects across the region, worked with the Bay Area Toll Authority to implement a toll increase that would address maintenance and repay bonds used for seismic retrofits of the bridges. Commuters will now be expected to pay $8.50 per crossing that will either be charged to their FasTrak account or license plate.

MTC spokesperson John Goodwin said the agency prioritizes safety and raising tolls was the most effective way to ensure necessary work would be conducted. He said it was the start of a series of small increases that will eventually end with tolls at $10.50 by 2030.

"This was done in a series of small steps instead of all-in-one giant increase to not throw it all at once at people," Goodwin said.

The bridges affected by the toll increase and will receive the additional funds include the Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.

The Golden Gate Bridge is managed by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District and its fares will remain unaffected at $9.75 for FasTrak users.

Commuters looking for discounts are encouraged to obtain the new FasTrak Flex transponders and carpool. Goodwin said bridges and lanes will offer discounts on weekdays from 5-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. to get half off on their tolls.

BART will also be increasing its fares at the beginning of the year. Prices will rise by 6.2% for all trips.

The public transit operator estimated an additional $15.6 million will be raised during 2026 from the updated fares. The funds will go toward operating costs such as paying staff, vehicle maintenance, and running BART's stations.

Although millions will be generated, the agency is still facing a major fiscal cliff of $376 million for its upcoming fiscal year 2027 that could potentially bring regular service to a drastic halt. The BART Board of Directors has been working to find new stable funding sources before federal emergency funds provided to them during the COVID-19 pandemic expire in July 2026.

"As we ask the region for greater investments and support for BART while also making internal cuts to reduce costs, we also must ask our riders to contribute more towards their trips," BART Director Mark Foley said. "We will continue our commitment to enhance efficiencies and implement strict cost controls."

Although fares will be increasing, public transit agencies across the Bay Area recently rolled out a new generation of the Clipper Card payment system. This will allow travelers to receive free and reduced transfers between different operators, helping them save some money.

To receive special discounts, such as for seniors or those enrolled in Clipper START, travelers should use their Clipper Card approved for such programs.