How much does FasTrak save on Bay Bridge tolls?
FasTrak saves you money on Bay Bridge tolls compared to license plate accounts or invoices. As of January 2026, the base toll hits $8.50 for most two-axle vehicles. Bigger savings kick in 2027 with tiered rates. FasTrak users pay less because it cuts admin costs.
Current Toll Rates (as of Feb 2026)
Here's the breakdown for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge:
| Payment Type | Toll Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FasTrak | $8.50 | Standard for two-axle cars |
| License Plate | $8.50 | Same for now |
| Invoice | $8.50 | Same for now |
| Carpool (3+ occ, peak) | $4.25 | Weekdays 5-10am & 3-7pm with FasTrak Flex in '3+' |
Rates match across methods now. But change comes soon.
Tiered Savings Start in 2027
Bay Area Toll Authority sets lower rates for FasTrak to push electronic payments. Here's the schedule:
| Year | FasTrak Toll | License Plate Toll | Invoice Toll | Carpool (50% off FasTrak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $11.00 | $4.50 |
| 2028 | $9.50 | $10.50 | $11.50 | $4.75 |
| 2029 | $10.00 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $5.00 |
| 2030 | $10.50 | $11.50 | $12.50 | $5.25 |
FasTrak saves you $1 per crossing over license plate accounts from 2027. Against invoices, you save $2 per trip. Frequent commuters rack up real savings fast.
Carpool Discounts with FasTrak
Carpools save the most. You need three or more people during peak hours. Use a FasTrak Flex tag set to '3+' in the carpool lane. That gets you half off the standard FasTrak rate.
- Peak savings example (2026): $8.50 regular becomes $4.25.
- You must drive in the dedicated lane.
- Bay Bridge allows standard FasTrak tags for carpools too.
Two-person vehicles skip the discount but use carpool lanes on most bridges for faster trips.
Tips to Maximize Savings
Get a FasTrak tag now. It works on all Bay Area toll bridges. Link it to your license plate. Avoid invoice fees that add up.
- Buy from bayareafastrak.org or retailers.
- Set up auto-pay to dodge late fees.
- Switch to Flex for carpool perks.
- Track trips in your FasTrak app.
Sidekick tracks all your vehicle costs, including tolls. Enter your Bay Area drives to see exact FasTrak savings in your ownership report. Many drivers cut toll costs 20-30% yearly with smart tags.
Frequent the Bay Bridge? FasTrak pays off quick. A daily commuter crosses 250 times a year. That's $250 saved vs license plate by 2027. Switch today and keep more cash for fuel or repairs.