#United States #San Francisco #Bay Area #Toll Hike #FasTrak

Bay Area Toll Increase Effective January 1, 2025

As the new year approaches, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) is preparing drivers for an upcoming toll increase at seven state-owned toll bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area. Effective January 1, 2025, tolls will see a rise of $1, completing a series of toll hikes approved previously by California legislators and voters. This will be the third and final increase as part of a plan set forth in Senate Bill 595 and Regional Measure 3, which was enacted through a voter-supported measure in June 2018.

Toll Rates Breakdown

Under the new structure, the regular toll for standard two-axle vehicles, which includes cars and motorcycles, will escalate from $7 to $8. This increase applies to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, and San Mateo-Hayward Bridges. For larger vehicles with three or more axles, tolls will also rise by $1 - setting the fees at $18 for three axles, $23 for four, $28 for five, $33 for six, and $38 for vehicles with seven or more axles.

The decision follows similar increases that took effect on January 1 in 2019 and 2022, which were also approved through public measures.

Discounts and FasTrak Information

To ease the burden on certain groups, the BATA legislation maintains peak-period toll discounts. Motorcycles, qualifying carpools, and clean-air vehicles are eligible for reduced tolls during weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This reduced toll will increase to $4 starting January 1, up from the current $3.50. To benefit from this discount, drivers of qualifying vehicles must use the FasTrak electronic payment system and access dedicated carpool lanes at toll plazas.

Additionally, there is a 50-cent discount available for two-axle vehicles making crossings on more than one bridge during peak commute hours. This per second crossing discount is activated when paying electronically via FasTrak, and especially advantageous for carpools, motorcycles, and clean-air vehicles crossing a second time in a day, which can net another 25-cent reduction off the already discounted toll.

Getting FasTrak and Upcoming Projects

New users wanting to enroll in the FasTrak program can obtain their toll tags at several locations, including select Costco and Walgreens stores throughout Northern California. The full list of participating retailer locations along with an online registration option can be found on the FasTrak website at bayareafastrak.org. For those preferring to interact via phone, FasTrak services can be accessed by calling 1-877-229-8655 or 511, or in person at the FasTrak customer service center located in San Francisco. Operating hours for phone services are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The customer service center itself is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Moreover, the additional revenue from these toll increases will fund several vital infrastructure projects outlined in the Regional Measure 3 expenditure plan. These projects include improvements on State Route 37 in the North Bay, upgrades to key freeway interchanges, enhancing the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system with more train cars, extending BART services from Berryessa to downtown San Jose, and expanding bus services across the region.

In conclusion, the Bay Area's looming toll increases represent both challenges and opportunities for commuters and local transportation development. By utilizing FasTrak and remaining informed about available discounts and toll structures, drivers can mitigate the financial impact of these changes while contributing to the overall enhancement of transportation infrastructure throughout this vital region.