North Bay commuters are about to face higher costs to cross the Bay. Beginning January 1st, tolls on seven state-owned bridges will increase by 50 cents.
According to the Press Democrat, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission announced the first of a series of annual hikes, raising the toll for regular two-axle vehicles from $8.00$ to $8.50 on bridges including the Richmond-San Rafael and Carquinez.
In addition to the rate change, the Bay Area Toll Authority is updating carpool policy to require three or more people in a vehicle to qualify for the half-price discount during weekday commute times on all seven bridges. This standardizes the rule across all bridges, including the San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton bridges, which previously required only two people.
The toll revenue will be used to fund the maintenance, rehabilitation, and operation of the bridges.