BART Fares Increase by 3.7 Percent

Getting around the Bay Area will be more expensive this coming year as Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials announce a 3.7 percent fare increase effective Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. The last BART increase occurred in January 2004.

The 3.7 percent increase in fare prices was calculated based on a formula that accounts for inflation both locally and nationally, according to a BART press release. It also states that new efficiencies in operations have cut the increase by 0.5 percent.

In addition to the general 3.7 percent increase in fares, a 10-cent surcharge will be added to trips within Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties, including Daly City.

SamTrans has also requested and received a 10-cent surcharge for trips starting from and ending in San Mateo County and the five SFO extension stations, Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno, SFO, and Millbrae.

The new minimum BART fare will rise from $1.25 to $1.40.

BART also announced it will raise the price for discount tickets-known as "Green" tickets (for seniors 65 years or older) and "Red" tickets (for children 5 to 12 and people with disabilities)-from $6 to $9, while retaining its $24 value.

The discount falls from 75 percent to 62.5 percent, but is still among the highest transit discounts in the nation, and saves eligible riders $15.

The 6.25 percent discount for tickets valued at $48 and $64 still remains.

Green and Red tickets bought for $6 will remain valid after Jan. 1.