Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge will not be going up, after the district opted Friday to close a budget shortfall with layoffs instead.
With decimated ridership numbers and federal CARES Act money running out amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District is looking at a $48 million budget deficit.
One option to help fill the gap was a bridge toll surcharge, or increase, of $2.
“It’s my opinion at this point that moving ahead on a surcharge, pardon the pun, is a bridge too far,” Brian Sobel, district board member, said.
Others agreed, and the board instead voted to layoff almost 150 workers, including dozens of bus drivers.
The layoffs were set to take effect in early December, but will now happen a month later, to the relief of board member Judy Arnold.
“I think that a January 4th means a lot, because then our employees can go through the holiday season,” she noted.
However, layoffs at any time and the eventual loss of benefits will be hard for employees, such as Lisa Reed.
“I am truly nervous at the thought of my children no longer having access to healthcare during a pandemic,” Reed said. “Even now, while sheltered at home, I still become extremely anxious at every cough or complaint that my children give me.”
The district can bring back eliminated positions when service demand picks back up.