A proposed toll increase for the seven state-owned bridges that crisscross the San Francisco Bay could double the cost for trucks.
Under the proposal, for example, a five-axle truck would pay $25 to cross any one of the seven bridges. A trip today is only $11.25.
The proposal also includes congestion pricing for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The proposal was unveiled this month by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA).
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is scheduled to vote on the plan Jan. 27, after BATA’s oversight committee approves its staff’s recommendations.
State and BATA officials have said they need $160 million in new toll revenues annually in order to maintain the bridges, complete earthquake safety work and finish the new span under construction for the Bay Bridge.
In addition to the Bay Bridge, the bridges affected by the toll increase would be the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward.
The Gold Gate Bridge would not be affected since it is operated by a separate authority.
By Michele Fuetsch
Staff Reporter
