The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) wants to raise tolls to pay for upkeep and operations on the seven state-owned toll bridges in the area, including the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. If the plan is passed, the tolls will slowly go up over five years, beginning on January 1, 2026.
The first increase would make the toll for regular two-axle vehicles $8.50. More increases are planned until 2030, when the toll will finally hit $10.50 for FasTrak users.
BATA is also putting in place a tiered pricing system to encourage people to use internet payment methods, which have lower costs for running the business. In 2027, there will be a fee for using other payment ways. The planned toll hike comes after Regional Measure 3, which voters approved in 2018, raised tolls by $3.
Along with the changes to the tolls, BATA is also thinking about making changes to the rules for high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs). All state-owned bridges will have to have three-person occupancy requirements for discounted tolls under the new plan.
Two-person cars will be able to use carpool lanes without the discount. Starting November 4, people can give their thoughts on the plan. On November 13, there will be a webinar, and on November 20, there will be a public hearing.
