California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

A proposed toll increase for the seven state-owned bridges that crisscross the San Francisco Bay could double the cost for trucks.

Under the proposal, a typical five-axle truck would pay $25 to cross any one of the seven bridges. A trip today is only $11.25. This is a 122% fee increase at a time when few can pass it on effectively, especially construction trucks.

The proposal also includes congestion pricing for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The proposal was unveiled On December 9, by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA).

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is scheduled to vote on the plan Jan. 27, after BATA’s oversight committee approves its staff’s recommendations.

State and BATA officials have said they need $160 million in new toll revenues annually in order to maintain the bridges, complete earthquake safety work and finish the new span under construction for the Bay Bridge.

In addition to the Bay Bridge, the bridges affected by the toll increase would be the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward.

The Gold Gate Bridge would not be affected since it is operated by a separate authority.

The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) submitted their recommended revisions to the toll proposals that have been discussed since October. The recommendation also includes charging carpoolers 50 percent of the base toll rate. Based on the recommendation from BATA staff, carpoolers would be charged $2.50 beginning July 1, 2010.

2-axle vehicles $5.00

• 3-axle vehicles $15.00**
• 4-axle vehicle $20.00**
• 5-axle vehicle $25.00**
• 6-axle vehicle $30.00**
• 7+-axle vehicle $35.00**

**Also included in the BATA recommendation is a one year grace period for multi-axle vehicles. Instead of being hit with the increase on July 1, 2010, multi-axle (three or more) vehicles will be charged the new toll schedule on July 1, 2011. This recommendation was based on the testimony and information that BATA and MTC Staff received from representatives of the trucking industry, “many trucking firms have entered into contracts for a 12 month to 36 month duration. The delay in the effective date for trucks will allow firms to re-negotiate contracts and will mitigate the financial impacts of the toll increase for trucks during the current recession.” After receiving input from the trucking industry, the BATA staff recommended the following revisions to the proposals:

To view a copy of the recommendations click on the link below. SEE PAGES 3 and 4.

http://www.mtc.ca.gov/news/info/2009/toll_increase_recommendations.pdf

Key Daters to Remember! On January 13, 2010, the BATA Oversight Committee will take action on which proposal they will propose to the Metropolitan Transportation Commissioners. The adoption hearing by the MTC and BATA is scheduled for January 27, 2010.