BART to raise fares by 6.2% starting Jan. 1

"Tuesday, December 16, 2025 11:50PM BART will raise fares by 6.2% on New Year's Day, citing inflation and long-term financial pressures, even as ridership continues to climb across much of the transit system, the transit agency said. The fare increase will lift the average ride by 30 cents, from $4.88 to $5.18, based on inflation recorded in 2023 and 2024."

"A short trip like Downtown Berkeley to 19th Street/Oakland station will rise by 15 cents, while longer journeys -- including the 45-mile Antioch-to-Montgomery Street trip -- will cost 55 cents more. BART expects the increase to generate $15.6 million in 2026. Parking prices will also change on Jan. 1, though details were not specified. Ridership shows steady gains The fare hike comes as ridership shows steady improvement. In November, the transit agency recorded an 11.6 percent rise in overall ridership from a year earlier, with riders taking more than 4.4 million trips, BART said."

"Growth was especially strong at many stations, including Downtown Berkeley station, where exits climbed nearly 20%, and 19th Street/Oakland and 12th Street/Oakland City Center stations, both of which saw increases of more than 20%. West Oakland and Embarcadero stations also posted gains of 24% and 17%, respectively. Weekend and off-peak travel continue to drive the rebound."

"MORE: Credit card payments begin for Bay Area transit agencies; transfer changes for Clipper Card users Transit officials said the gains reflect changing travel patterns, wider adoption of new fare programs, and improvements to safety and cleanliness. Crime on the system is down 45% as of October, according to BART, and customer satisfaction reached 88% in 2025. New fare tools are also reshaping how riders pay, according to the transit agency."

BART will implement a 6.2% fare increase on New Year’s Day, raising the average trip cost by 30 cents from $4.88 to $5.18 based on 2023–2024 inflation. Short trips will increase by about 15 cents while the longest trips will rise by roughly 55 cents. The agency anticipates the change will generate $15.6 million in 2026 and will also adjust parking prices on Jan. 1. Ridership improved in November by 11.6% year-over-year with strong gains at several key stations and increased weekend and airport travel. Crime on the system is down 45% and customer satisfaction reached 88% in 2025, while new fare tools and programs are reshaping payments.

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