Bay Area Bridges Set for Toll Increases Starting January 1, 2026

Upcoming Toll Increase for Bay Area Bridges

As the new year approaches, drivers in the Bay Area are reminded that toll rates at seven state-owned bridges will increase by 50 cents starting January 1, 2026. This marks the first step in a series of five planned annual toll hikes through 2030, aimed at upgrading the maintenance and operation of key bridge infrastructures, including notable structures like the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and other vital crossings in the region.

The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA), which oversees the toll management, is implementing this new rate structure to ensure the ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation processes can be funded adequately. These toll increases will affect all standard two-axle vehicles. The base rate for such vehicles will climb from $8 to $8.50; this initial increase sets the stage for further incremental raises in subsequent years. For instance, by 2030, tolls for vehicles using FasTrak tags, a pre-registered electronic payment method, will reach $10.50, while those utilizing an invoicing method may pay as much as $11.50 by the end of the same period.

Transition to Electronic Payment

BATA’s new pricing strategy incorporates a tiered toll structure that incentivizes the use of electronic payment systems like FasTrak. By utilizing FasTrak, drivers can benefit from lower toll rates while minimizing administrative expenses related to billing.

In a parallel policy update, there will also be new regulations for carpool lanes starting January 1, 2026. Carpool vehicles will need to have at least three occupants to qualify for reduced toll prices during peak hours. This uniform policy across all seven bridges is designed to enhance safety by reducing lane weaving and improve traffic flow by prioritizing buses and carpools.

For the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, carpool drivers will be required to use a dedicated lane and can benefit from a 50% discount during certain hours if they possess a FasTrak Flex tag set to the '3+' position. Meanwhile, two-occupant vehicles wishing to use the carpool lanes at some other bridges can do so using a similar tag set to the '2' position, albeit without the corresponding discount.

Future Developments and Open-Road Tolling

Additionally, BATA plans to transition to open-road tolling at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, marking a significant shift in toll collection methods. As crew members prepare for construction and demolitions needed ahead of this change, it is anticipated that this new approach will eliminate outdated toll booths and streamline the payment process for all travelers.

BATA, under the guidance of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), is committed to managing the toll revenues effectively while ensuring the health of the Bay Area's transportation infrastructure.

As the new toll rates roll out, it becomes increasingly important for drivers to adjust their commuting habits accordingly and consider alternative travel strategies to mitigate any financial impact.