Congestion Pricing Coming To S.F. Bay Bridge

First proposed in 1993, a higher peak toll may finally be applied to the Bay Bridge: $6 would be charged 5-10am and 3-7pm, while $4 charged off-peak. Weekends will see a $5 toll, the same as the other state-owned regional bridges if approved 1/27.

January 15, 2010, 10am PST | Irvin Dawid

In addition to the peak-hour Bay Bridge toll and the flat $1 increase for six other Caltrans bridges (Antioch, Benicia, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo bridges), carpools will lose their free trip across the bridges, but receive a 50% discount, paying $2.50 (on all bridges at all times).

"The toll increases, designed to raise about $160 million a year, are needed to pay for $750 million in seismic strengthening for the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges, and to make up for declining bridge traffic and toll revenue.

For car drivers and carpoolers, the new tolls would take effect July 1. For truckers, who face increases of nearly 300 percent, tolls would be delayed for one year and then phased in."

The plan was approved by a committee of the Bay Area Toll Authority - the same body as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The full board will vote on the recommendation on Jan. 27

Thanks to MTC-ABAG Library

Full Story:

Preliminary OK given to raise bridge tolls

Published on Thursday, January 14, 2010 in San Francisco Chronicle