Tolls: what changes await motorists on the Golden Gate Bridge

Soon, motorists traveling south across the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco will have to pay more than $12 per trip. The local transportation agency responsible for road tolls has made the proposal.

According to the proposal of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District, the daily toll from the Northbound could rise to more than $11 by 2028. According to the transportation agency, the current toll is $9.75 for infrequent users and $8.75 for FasTrak pass holders, the Los Angeles Times reports.

It is noted that the number of daily crossings of the bridge has decreased after the pandemic caused an increase in remote work and a reduction in commuter travel. According to the report, traffic on the bridge is now at 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and the number of travel hours has decreased by almost 30%.

It is emphasized that this situation leads to an increase in losses of up to $30 million per year. The transportation agency relies heavily on bridge tolls to fund its operations and says it faces a five-year deficit of at least $220 million.

The new proposal includes four possible toll options that would increase steadily over five years. The most expensive option for motorists would bring in $139 million over the five years.

At the same time, the least expensive option would be to increase tolls by 50 cents annually starting in July. Under this option, FasTrak pass holders would see their daily toll rise to $9.25 this summer and $11.25 by 2028, while drivers paying the highest rate would owe $10.75 this summer and $12.25 by 2028.

The relevant public hearing is scheduled for February 22, and the council will vote in March. The new prices could be introduced as early as July 1, 2024.