BART Fares, Parking Rates To Increase Soon

BERKELEY, CA — BART riders can expect to pay higher fares and parking rates starting next year.

BART officials say rider fares will increase 6.2% starting on Jan. 1. That means the average fare will see a 30-cent increase from $4.88 to $5.18, according to the agency.

Shorter trips, such as those from Downtown Berkeley to 19th Street in Oakland, will increase by around 15 cents. But a longer trip, from Antioch to Montgomery, will increase by 55 cents, according to BART officials.

The funds from the increase will fund the agency's operations and help it work towards restoring its financial stability.

This increase comes as the agency says it is facing a "fiscal cliff." The agency previously announced it is continuing to operate despite facing a $350-400 million deficit.

Officials say the transition to remote work has impacted its operating budget.

"Before the pandemic, money from passenger fares and parking fees covered nearly 70% of the cost to run BART service," BART officials said on the agency's website. "This means that for decades, our riders carried the burden of funding the majority of the BART operating budget, even though all residents of the Bay Area benefit from BART, even those who do not ride."

SEE ALSO: Bay Area Bridge Tolls To Increase Soon

BART is currently operating using emergency funds that are expected to run out in 2026, according to transit officials.

The fare increase, according to the agency, is expected to raise $15.6 million next year.

Daily parking fees, meanwhile, will increase by 40 cents at most stations to account for inflation and parking demand, officials said. Higher demand stations, including Glen Park, MacArthur, Rockridge and Walnut Creek, will see prices increase by 30%.

“As we ask the region for greater investments and support for BART while also making internal cuts to reduce costs, we also must ask our riders to contribute more towards their trips,” BART Board President Mark Foley said in a statement earlier this month. “We will continue our commitment to enhance efficiencies and implement strict cost controls.”