Where can I find a retail store that sells a toll transponder?

With a toll increase on the seven state-owned bridges going into effect on July 1, 2010, the Bay Area Toll Authority has expanded its retail distribution network to make it easier for motorists to enjoy a faster commute.New customers can now get toll tags at more than 125 Walgreens stores around the Bay Area as well as at some 100 Safeway supermarkets and two dozen Costco warehouses.If you pick up a toll tag at a participating retailer from May 15 to July 15 you can get up to $10 in free tolls.The complete list of participating locations can be found at bayareafastrak.org.

Bill Dodd, who chairs the Commission's BATA Oversight Committee, said that with the toll tags available at Walgreens, Costco and Safeway, it becomes more convenient for a lot more people.Convenience is what FasTrak is all about.Because they prepay their tolls, customers don't have to use cash at the toll booth.The correct toll is deducted from the customer's account when they pass through the plaza.It's important to have the tags at Walgreens so that you can qualify for the new discounted toll when it goes into effect on July 1.

Half of the new $5 regular toll will be charged for cars that cross the region's state-owned bridges.

July 1 will be the debut of time-of-day pricing on the Bay Bridge, which is by far the region's busiest toll bridge.During off-peak hours, the Bay Bridge's auto toll will be $4 on weekdays and $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.The regular auto toll will rise to $5 from the current $4 at all times on the six other state-owned bridges.

As part of a plan to expand and improve electronic toll collection in the Bay Area, BATA began distributing the tags through warehouses and stores.There are more than one million account holders in the nine-county region.More than 60 percent of the traffic on the Bay Area toll bridges is during peak periods.All Bay Area toll plazas can be used with FasTrak.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and BATA are both directed by the same policy board.BATA and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District formed a partnership to operate a single customer service center in San Francisco.The nine-county San Francisco Bay Area has a transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency.

John Goodwin, MTC/BATA: (415) 778-5262 jgoodwin@bayareametro.gov

The nine-county San Francisco Bay Area has a transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency.

MTC is committed to complying with civil rights laws and regulations.Compliance is ensured by the following MTC programs.