Golden Gate Bus, Ferry Fares Likely To Rise This Summer
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Fares on Golden Gate buses and ferries may go up, and free parking could disappear at the bridge district's Larkspur lot, because of a budget shortfall.
Bus fares would go up five percent a year over the next five years to help close a $89 million deficit projected for that period, said Golden Gate Bridge District spokeswoman Mary Currie.
The adult cash fare on the Larkspur and Sausalito ferries would increase July 1 to offset operating expenses, Currie said, that increase during the warm weather when fewer people drive.
"We are dealing with a lot of bicycle traffic in the summer time, which takes us more staff and we have to put another boat into service in the afternoons," Currie said.
Not affected would be the ferry's discount fares and Clipper Card rates, which just went up on Jan. 1.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
At the end of the summer, bridge officials will consider charging $2 a day to park in the Larkspur Ferry parking lot.
Currie said raising bridge tolls will not be considered until 2013.
The district has scheduled a series of open houses on the bus and ferry fare increases in March. Two public comment sessions will take place on April 6 and 7.
(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
