(a) The base toll rate for vehicles crossing the state-owned toll bridges within the geographic jurisdiction of the commission as of January 1, 2003, is as follows:

Number of Axles

Toll

Two axles

$ 1.00

Three axles

3.00

Four axles

5.25

Five axles

8.25

Six axles

9.00

Seven axles & more

10.50

(b) If the voters approve a toll increase, pursuant to Section 30921, commencing July 1, 2004, the base toll rate for vehicles crossing the bridges described in subdivision (a) is as follows:

Number of axles

Toll

Two axles

$ 2.00

Three axles

4.00

Four axles

6.25

Five axles

9.25

Six axles

10.00

Seven axles & more

11.50

(c) (1) If the voters approve a toll increase, pursuant to Section 30923, the authority shall increase the base toll rate for vehicles crossing the bridges described in subdivision (a) from the toll rates then in effect by the amount approved by the voters pursuant to Section 30923. The authority may, beginning six months after the election approving the toll increase, phase in the toll increase over a period of time and may adjust the toll increase for inflation based on the California Consumer Price Index after the toll increase has been phased in completely.

(2) Revenue generated from the adjustment of the toll to account for inflation pursuant to paragraph (1) may be expended for the following purposes:

(A) Bridge maintenance and rehabilitation necessary to preserve, protect, and replace the bridge structures consistent with subdivision (b) of Section 30950.3.

(B) Supplemental funding for the projects and programs authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 30914.7.

(d) The authority shall increase the amount of the toll only if required to meet its obligations on any bonds or to satisfy its covenants under any bond resolution or indenture. The authority shall hold a public hearing before adopting a toll schedule reflecting the increased toll charge.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the adoption of either a discounted commute rate for two-axle vehicles or of special provisions for high-occupancy vehicles under terms and conditions prescribed by the authority in consultation with the department.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 650, Sec. 9. (SB 595) Effective January 1, 2018.)