Drivers crossing state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area could face a $1 increase in tolls under a bill now before the California Senate.

Under SB916, the toll for a five-axle truck on state-owned bridges would increase from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004.

The bill would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.

The Senate Transportation Committee approved the bill by a vote of 9-4 on May 6. It was then sent to the Appropriations Committee. According to the General Assembly Web site, the bill was placed on suspense by the Appropriations Committee May 19. An Appropriations spokeswoman said all those bills on suspense would likely be taken up by that committee at the end of the month.

The bill would have to pass the full Senate and the House, and receive the governor's signature to become law.

--by Mark H. Reddig, associate editor

Mark Reddig can be reached at mreddig@landlinemag.com.