New Transit Fare Changes Start Today

Commuters in Mountain View will pay more for Caltrain service today, as a 25 cent increase will be added to the base fare per zone.

The extra fare will bring the total of a one way trip to San Francisco to $6.75, up from $6.50, according to a Caltrain fare chart. THose people eligible for a discounted fare would pay $3.25.

Valley Transit Authority, however, will not raise its fares according to Spokeswoman Brandi Childress.

"In fact, there will be no increase for the next two years," said Childress, who added that the VTA Board of Directors didn't vote for a fare increase.

Bay Area transit riders and some motorists crossing local bridges will also be asked to pay more beginning Friday.

In summary the changes include:

• Caltrain: Each zone traveled will cost an additional 25 cents

• San Francisco MUNI: $2 more for a monthly pass; $1 more for seniors. Cable car rides are up to $6.

• Golden Gate Transit: 25 percent more for the Larkspur ferry and buses. Sausalito ferries are up $1. Special ferries will cost $8.75 a trip.

• Bridge tolls: Vehicles with more than two axles will pay between $10.50–$24.25 on state-owned bridges. Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge will be between $13–$31 for more than two axles.

• End to Hybrid Free-Ride: Solo hybrid drivers will no longer be able to use the carpool lane.

Since 2004, solo drivers of hybrid vehicles with yellow clean-air stickers have been able to drive in carpool lanes, but that privilege will no longer be afforded, according to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

All-electric vehicles with white stickers will still be able to drive solo in the carpool lanes until 2015, according to the DMV.

The various increases are the result of local and state agencies trying to close large budget deficits as the new fiscal year begins Friday.

The SFMTA faced a $45 million budget shortfall this year, while the Golden Gate Bridge District faces a five-year deficit of $89 million.

Caltrain projects a $30 million deficit in Fiscal Year 2012.

Reported by Eric Gneckow and Claudia Cruz. Additional reporting by Bay City News.