FasTrak Users Will Receive $1 Discount Through October 31

On July 1, 2004, a voter-approved $1 toll increase will go into effect on the seven Bay Area toll bridges operated by Caltrans. On the affected bridges—Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay, and San Mateo-Hayward—the toll will rise to $3 from the current $2 level. However, drivers of cars and other two-axle vehicles who pay their tolls electronically with a FasTrak transponder will receive a $1 discount off the new toll from July 1 through October 31. The four-month promotional discount is being offered as a way to encourage motorists to enroll in the FasTrak program, which in addition to short-term cash savings can offer motorists long-term benefits in convenience and reduced congestion.

The $1 toll increase was approved on March 2, 2004 when, by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin, voters in the region passed Regional Measure 2 (RM 2). The $1 toll increase will raise approximately $125 million a year to fund a comprehensive program of projects to relieve congestion and expand transit service in the vicinity of bridge corridors. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, in its role as the Bay Area Toll Authority, will administer the revenues from the toll increase and oversee the package of traffic-relief projects the increase will fund.

Information about RM 2, including a complete list of projects, is available at: www.mtc.ca.gov/whats_happening/legislative_update/rm2.htm. Motorists with questions about the toll hike can call 510.464.7707.

NOTE: Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge remain as currently set: $4 for FasTrak users and $5 for motorists who pay in cash. More information on the Golden Gate Bridge toll structure is available at www.goldengate.org.