Truck tolls could be double or more on seven Bay Area bridges if a proposed toll hike passes in January.
The Bay Area Toll Authority has two hearings planned to discuss the increases. The measure would jump truck tolls from $11.25 up to $23 or $35, depending on which of three options are approved.
The additional funds are expected to help finance $750 million seismic retrofits on the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges. Money may also go toward addressing growing debt and operational expenses due to instability of municipal bonds. Over the past five years, the number of toll customers has dropped off as well.
Bridges affected by the hike include Antioch and Dumbarton, as well as Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward, all structures owned by the state of California. The independently owned and operated Golden Gate Bridge would not be affected by the increase.
The hearings are scheduled for Dec. 3 and Dec. 7, and will provide opportunity for comments. Additionally, drivers have until Dec. 21 to comment on the proposals, by mail, fax, or email.
For more details, visit www.mtc.ca.gov.
Source: Etrucker.com: Bay Area bridges eye toll hikes. Jill Dunn.
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