Bay Bridge Officials: Don't Stop in the Carpool Lane!

Bay Area bridge toll hikes on Thursday could lead to a morning commuter hassle in San Francisco.

Toll changes will affect all motorists, including those who carpool.

They go up $1 for most vehicles, but the complexity of the toll hike is expected to lead to confusion.

The toll for cars and other two-axle vehicles at six of the seven state-owned bridges will rise by $1 to $5.

But on the Bay Bridge, congestion-priced tolls will be introduced. Drivers crossing between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays will pay $6 while those traveling outside those hours will pay $4. Weekend tolls will be $5 all day.

Carpools on all bridges will pay half the normal tolls. At the Golden Gate Bridge carpoolers will have to pay $3 after stopping at a toll gate to be counted, but on the Bay Bridge they will simply drive through with a Fastrak transponder, which is mandatory.

"If you don't have a Fastrak device, and you're in the carpool lane, don't worry about it, just go through," said Randy Rentschler of the MTA. "We will send you a violation because we will take a picture of your license plate. If you get Fastrak within 30 days we'll waive the violation, and we'll still charge you for the toll."