BART fares are set to increase in January. That’s how much more you pay

OAKLAND, Calif. – BART will increase fares starting Jan. 1, 2025, the transit agency announced Tuesday. The increase will allow the agency to keep pace with inflation and help restore BART’s financial stability, a spokesman said in a statement.

The 5.5% increase increases the average price by 25 cents.

BART said the fare increase is expected to generate $14 million per year for agency operations.

“We understand that fare increases are never welcome, but BART fares remain an important source of funding even when ridership is lower than before the pandemic,” said Mark Foley, vice president of the BART board.

BART’s board approved the fare increase in June 2023, allowing for an 11% increase over two years.

The approval came in 2023 as the agency faced a significant budget shortfall due to ridership declines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Before the pandemic, we were heavily dependent on passenger fares for our operating costs and we were very proud that we were able to achieve this. But our ridership has faltered during the pandemic, and that’s why we’re trying to find a new source of sustainable funding,” BART spokesman Jim Allison told KTVU in June 2023.

The $14 million raised through the fare increase will go toward improved train cleaning, police and security staff, and improved fare counters.

BART continues to offer fare discounts to low-income riders, children under 18, and seniors over 65.