Bay Area Rapid Transit’s BART fare hike is scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2026, raising the average per-trip fare by about 30 cents, or 6.2%, as described by Bay Area Rapid Transit.

BART fare hike in 2026: rates rise as MBTA gates launch
Photo – bart.gov

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Short-trip fares are set to go up by 15 cents, while longer route fares will increase by 55 cents. BART also expects an additional $15.6 million in revenue during 2026, and BART parking price changes are due to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

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BART fare hike and the agency’s 2027 budget outlook

Even after the fare changes, BART is projecting a BART budget deficit fiscal-year 2027 of $376 million. Fiscal-year 2027 begins July 1, 2026. Agency officials say a funding model that relies on fares for operating expenses is outdated and no longer feasible, and they are working toward a long-term funding solution for BART.

MBTA commuter rail fare gates roll out at South Station

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has begun operating MBTA commuter rail fare gates at South Station in Boston. Riders need to tap or scan their tickets or passes both to enter and to exit the track area, a change also noted by WBUR News. Conductors will continue to check passengers’ tickets on the trains.

MBTA installed 40 gates at South Station, including 11 wide gates designed for wheelchairs, bicycles, luggage and strollers. MBTA says the gates are meant to improve fare collection and to replace platform ticket checks.

What’s next for MBTA fare gates in Boston?

The move follows the successful rollout of gates at North Station in 2022. MBTA plans to install additional gates at Back Bay and Ruggles stations in 2026, a step previously discussed by Railway Supply.

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