Proposal to hike Bay Area bridge tolls

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Drivers are already paying to cross Bay Area bridges, and soon they may be asked to pay even more.

A proposal could increase tolls by as much as $3.

At this point Regional Measure 3 is just an idea to increase tolls on bridges like the Bay Bridge to fund improvements throughout the Bay Area.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission began discussing the idea Wednesday.

The plan could add $1-2 or $3 to tolls on the Bay Bridge, Dumbarton, San Mateo, Richmond, Antioch, Benicia and Carquinez bridges.

The money would be a bold move to solve major transportation issues like widening the Novato narrows.

Drivers we spoke with Thursday morning said they'd need more information before deciding one way or another - but that they would like to see improvements.

The proposal is still very much in the preliminary stages. The MTC could start talks on raising those tolls next month when voters could have their say in 2018. The increase could go into effect sometime after that.