BART fares to rise 6.2% in 2026 as ridership continues to rebound, budget gap persists

BART will raise fares by 6.2 percent on New Year’s Day, citing inflation and long-term financial pressures, even as ridership continues to climb across much of the transit system, the transit agency said.

The fare increase will lift the average ride by 30 cents, from $4.88 to $5.18, based on inflation recorded in 2023 and 2024. A short trip like Downtown Berkeley to 19th Street/Oakland station will rise by 15 cents, while longer journeys — including the 45-mile Antioch-to-Montgomery Street trip — will cost 55 cents more.