Fee Increase * USA - Toll Authority considers it, for Bay Area bridges

Bay Area Toll Authority commissioners are considering tapping into the stream of dollars flowing across the seven Bay Area bridges

Oakland,CAL,USA -The Oakland North, by Thomas Gorman -November 5, 2009: -- In an effort to raise money despite California’s battered financial situation, Bay Area Toll Authority commissioners are considering tapping into the stream of dollars flowing across the seven Bay Area bridges. By increasing tolls for drivers, including those who currently carpool for free, the regional transit agency plans to cover rising debt costs and pay for earthquake retrofits... Proposed plans call for a $1 toll increase for general passenger cars, and a $6 to $10 increase per axle charge for trucks. Two of the three options under consideration include a $3 fare for the carpool lane, which would be collected using the electronic FasTrak system... A third option would also include a congestion pricing system on the notoriously overcrowded Bay Bridge, charging autos an extra $2 to traverse the bay between the weekday morning peak hours of 6:30 – 8:30 AM. The Golden Gate bridge is operated by an independent toll authority, and would not be affected by these changes... Public opposition was muted during the first of three public hearings held Wednesday by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA). Five public speakers spoke about the proposals, with none registering opposition to the plan, which would go into effect in July 2010. Speakers did question the wisdom of charging carpooling drivers, or suggested alterations to specific toll increases... (Photo by Lauren Callahan - Cars line up to pay at the entrance to the Bay Bridge)