Golden Gate Bridge Toll Likely To Increase In 2014
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — It could soon cost a dollar more to cross the Golden Gate Bridge as the bridge's district board will meet Friday to discuss how they will cover the $142 million budget shortfall that's been projected over the next five years.
The projections in a preliminary plan includes a number of upcoming capital projects such as a seismic retrofit, the rehabilitation of the south tower and the floor beams under the roadway.
Phil Matier: Golden Gate Bridge District Considers Toll Hike
According to a Golden Gate Bridge District staff report, it would take a hike of about $1, but district spokeswoman Mary Currie said now that the bridge uses all-electronic tolls it could go up by pennies—since no change has to be made.
"With all the electronic tolling, we certainly could go on the $.50, $.75, $.25—whatever would been determined to be appropriate," she said.
"The one thing I would tell to Golden Gate Bridge drivers, if I said nothing else, it would be that half of your toll dollars goes to subsidize the busses and ferries we operate."
Fastrak drivers currently pay $5 to cross the span while pay-byplate drivers pay $6.
The last Golden Gate Bridge toll hike took effect 2008.
This latest preliminary plan calls for outreach in January and a public hearing in February and if another increase is approved it could take effect early next April.
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