Bay Area bridge authority to introduce tiered tolls starting in 2026; carpool rules to change

The regional body that sets toll rates for the Bay Area’s seven state-owned bridges voted recently to raise tolls by another $1.25 to $3 for two-axle vehicles, starting in 2026, introducing a “tiered” tolling rate.

Changes were also made to carpool lanes known as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, with a third person per vehicle now required to receive a discount on the Dumbarton and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.