State-owned Bay Area bridge toll increase now in effect on January 1, 2025 [Video]

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Wednesday marks the start of a new year but unfortunately for Bay Area drivers, it also marks the start of another bridge toll increase.

The tolls are going up by a dollar.

Starting Wednesday morning, most drivers crossing the Bay Bridge or any of the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges can expect to pay $8 per toll, instead of the previous $7.

This does not include the Golden Gate Bridge, which is operated by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and is on its own plan to increase tolls.

The voter-approved toll increase is the third in a series of three with the previous increase happening three years ago.

The Bay Area Toll Authority says money from this increase will go toward freeway improvements across the area and the purchase of new BART cars.

It will also contribute to an extension of the BART system, the Caltrain corridor, MUNI’s transit vehicle fleet and the San Francisco …