Golden Gate Bridge tolls increased 50 cents today, bringing the cost for most drivers to about $10.

The tolls for two-axle vehicles increased to $10.75. Tolls for FasTrak customers, who make up the majority of bridge motorists, is $9.75. For drivers who have a “pay as you go” account, which includes drivers who register their license plates or set up a one-time payment through the district, the toll is $10.

Fares for Golden Gate Ferry and Golden Gate Transit rose 25 cents. Discount fare programs will remain in effect for Clipper users, and for seniors, youths, people with disabilities and low-income riders who participate in the Clipper START program.

The new rates are the latest installments of toll and fare increases designed to help recover from COVID-19 pandemic losses and narrow a projected $220 million budget deficit, according to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

“Costs go up a little bit every year, so we raise our rates a little bit every year on bridge, bus and ferry,” said Denis Mulligan, general manager of the district. “Otherwise, we’d be faced with having to cut service a little bit, or cut back on the maintenance and operations of the bridge.”

Bridge tolls are the district’s primary source of revenue, and, unlike most other transit agencies, the district receives no dedicated state or local tax funding.

Because of inflation, the costs to operate services increase annually, including costs for staff, paint and steel for the bridge and fuel and repairs for buses and ferries.

The district has big-ticket capital improvements on the horizon, such as an $900 million-plus seismic retrofit of the bridge. The district is also planning a relocation of the San Rafael Transit Center, which is expected to cost upwards of $50 million.

As the district struggled to emerge from the pandemic, the board in 2023 approved a five-year fare hike plan to slow projected losses as officials explored options to address the looming fiscal cliff. Increases are slated to continue through 2027.

Last year, the district board approved a five-year bridge toll increase plan, designed to narrow the expected funding gap by providing $139 million in new revenue. The plan sets annual hikes through 2028.

“The increases were necessary to support the bus, ferry systems, and maintenance of the bridge,” said Marin County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, who serves on the Golden Gate Bridge district board. “Bridge tolls haven’t recovered from COVID, which has put continued pressure on the district’s finance.”

Bridge traffic remains down about 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the district.

Ferry ridership is down around 30%, and bus ridership is down 50%. The district has adjusted transit service to reduce expenses and will continue to add service back incrementally as customers return, staff said.

More information on Golden Gate Bridge tolls and fares is at goldengate.org.

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge increased its tolls by $1 on Jan. 1, along with the six other state-owned bridges in the Bay Area. Under a plan approved in December, tolls for the seven bridges are set to increase annually through 2030 to help keep up with rising maintenance costs and a nearly $2 billion capital improvement program. Tolls will reach $8.25 for most drivers in January.