BART hikes fares; MBTA opens new fare gates

Bay Area Rapid Transit's fares are set to increase on average by 30 cents, or 6.2% per trip, on Jan. 1, 2026.

Designated short-trip fares will rise by 15 cents, while longer route fares will go up 55 cents, officials with the San Francisco area agency said in a press release.

Agency officials estimate the fare hikes will bring in $15.6 million in additional revenue during 2026. BART is also changing parking prices effective Jan 1, 2026.

Even with the fare increases, BART faces a $376 million budget deficit for fiscal-year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. The current funding model that relies on fares for operating expenses is outdated and no longer feasible, BART officials said.  The agency is trying to identify a long-term funding solution.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority today began operating its new commuter-rail fare gates at South Station in Boston. Passengers will need to tap or scan their tickets or passes to both enter and exit the track area. Conductors will continue to check passengers' tickets on the trains.

MBTA installed 40 gates in South Station, including 11 wide gates for wheelchairs, bicycles, luggage and strollers. The new gates will improve fare collection and replace platform ticket checks, said MBTA officials in a press release.

The installation of gates at South Station follows their successful implementation at North Station in 2022. MBTA plans to install the gates at its Back Bay and Ruggles stations in 2026.