The Bay Area's first experience in peak-hour road tolling starts July 1. At 10 am, the Bay Bridge toll decreases to $4 from the $6 commute toll that starts at 5 am - will motorists intentionally slow to save $2 as they approach the tolls at 10 AM?
As Planetizen reported June 1, the toll schedule for the seven state-owned, Bay Area bridges (not including the Golden Gate Bridge) changes on July 1 (to finance seismic safety projects on Antioch and Dumbarton Bridges), marking the end of the 'free ride' for carpoolers.
"[T]he $2 toll savings could cause some commuters approaching the toll plaza just before 10 a.m. to pull over onto a shoulder and wait - or drive very slowly. CHP spokesman Trent Cross said his agency does not anticipate widespread trouble - or gridlock - on Thursday, but will be prepared."
From SF Examiner: Bay Area bridge tolls climb higher: "The $2.50 car-pooling surcharge and the $6 toll on the Bay Bridge will be applied from 5 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. during the workweek. To apply for the car-pooling discount, motorists are required to purchase a FasTrak transponder. The $6 Bay Bridge toll has been touted by BATA officials as a congestion management tool, with the price hike projected to decrease the maximum delay time on the bridge from 27 minutes to 21 minutes."
Thanks to MTC Headlines
Read the full story: Toll changes may lead to tie-ups on Bay Bridge
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