Motorists driving south across the famous Golden Gate Bridge could have to shell out more than $12 per trip under a new proposal from the transit agency responsible for tolls.
Meanwhile, North Bay commuters with FasTrak passes could see their daily toll rise to more than $11 by 2028, according to a proposal from the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
Current tolls are $9.75 for bill payments for infrequent riders and $8.75 for FasTrak pass holders, according to the transportation agency.
Daily bridge crossings have decreased since the pandemic ushered in increased remote work and reduced daily travel. Traffic on the bridge is now at 85% of pre-pandemic levels and travel hours have been reduced by nearly 30%, according to an agency staff report.
That has translated into a loss of up to $30 million a year, according to the staff report. The transportation agency relies heavily on bridge tolls to fund its operation and says it faces a projected five-year deficit of at least $220 million.
The new proposal lays out four possible toll rate options that would increase steadily over five years. The most expensive option for motorists would generate $139 million over the five-year period, still well below the projected funding gap.
“I was a little shaken by the fact that whatever we do is only half the deficit,” said board member Barbara Pahre, who represents Napa County, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. “It's not just about tolls, it's about tightening our belts a little. This might end up being the easy part.”
The most expensive option would increase tolls by 50 cents each year starting in July. Under that option, FasTrak pass holders would see their daily toll increase to $9.25 this summer and $11.25 by 2028, while billed drivers paying the highest rate would owe $10.75 this summer and $12.25 by 2028.
A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22 and the board will vote in March. Any new approved tolls would take effect July 1, according to the agency.
