The iconic Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937, becoming a symbol of the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, but when it opened, how much did it cost to cross the bridge?
When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, it cost a total of $6 for a round trip to cross the bridge in a car, with an additional 25 cents for each passenger. This was quite expensive at the time, as the average American wage was just over $1,200 per year. Interestingly, the cost of the bridge was not covered by tolls alone. The bridge was funded with a combination of federal and state funds, as well as funds from bonds.
In the first year of opening, the bridge saw an average of 7,500 vehicles per day crossing it. By the end of 1938, the number had increased to 42,000 vehicles per day. In 1941, the bridge was crossed by a total of 8.5 million vehicles. This number increased drastically in the following years, rising to 37 million vehicles in 1955 and over 103 million vehicles in 2017.
Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge have increased significantly over the years. In 1970, the cost for a car to cross the bridge was increased to $1.50 and then to $3 in 1997. In 2013, the cost of crossing the bridge for a car was increased to $7. As of 2020, the cost of crossing the bridge in a car is $7.25 for a one-way trip, and $14.50 for a round trip.
The Golden Gate Bridge remains one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and continues to draw millions of visitors every year. It has always been an expensive bridge to cross, and has seen its fair share of toll increases over the years.
The Cost Of Crossings The Golden Gate Bridge Upon Opening
When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, it was the most expensive bridge ever built at that point in time. It cost a whopping $35 million dollars to construct. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, spanning 4,200 feet across the San Francisco Bay. The cost of crossing the bridge upon its opening was a mere 25 cents for cars and 10 cents for pedestrians.
The Golden Gate Bridge was initially funded through bond sales and money from the federal government. It was an amazing feat of engineering and a symbol of progress for the city of San Francisco. It was designed to be a safe and reliable bridge that could withstand the elements and provide easy access to both sides of the bay. As a result, it became an iconic landmark that is still admired to this day.
The original toll for crossing the bridge increased over the years, with the most recent fee of $7 to cross the bridge in a private vehicle. The fees are used to maintain and improve the bridge and its surrounding areas, as well as to help fund the public transportation system in the area. There are discounts available for people who use public transportation, and there are also discounts for frequent drivers.
The table below shows the cost of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge upon opening and the subsequent increases.
| Time Period | Cost of Crossing |
|---|---|
| 1937 – 1972 | 25 cents (cars) 10 cents (pedestrians) |
| 1972 – 1978 | 50 cents (cars) 25 cents (pedestrians) |
| 1978 – 1982 | $1 (cars) 50 cents (pedestrians) |
| 1982 – Present | $7 (cars) $1.50 (pedestrians) |
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and an important part of the city’s history. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening and continues to be an important part of the city’s transportation infrastructure. The cost of crossing the bridge has increased over the years, but its importance as a landmark and its contribution to the city’s transportation system remain the same.
The Golden Gate Bridge’s Inaugural Cost Of Crossing
When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, it cost a grand total of 5 cents to cross it. This fee was incredibly cheap for a bridge that was so iconic, and allowed people to save a considerable amount of money every time they crossed it. The cost was also made even cheaper for people who wanted to cross in larger groups, and they were allowed to cross for 10 cents. At the time, this was seen as a great deal and many people were able to benefit from this low cost.
The Golden Gate Bridge was a huge success from the very beginning. It allowed people to cross from San Francisco to Marin County with ease and convenience, and was a major engineering feat of its time. The bridge quickly became a symbol of progress and modernity, and was an example of how technology could be used to improve people’s lives. Even today, the bridge is a major tourist attraction and is one of the most recognizable sights in the world.
The bridge’s construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937. The bridge was designed by engineer Joseph Strauss, who was responsible for the overall design, including the suspension system, the towers, the decks, and the cables. The bridge was a major engineering feat, and the construction was a marvel of modern engineering. It was the first bridge of its kind to be built using a suspension system, and it was also the first to have a safety net installed beneath it.
Today, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge still costs a small fee, but it is a lot more than the initial inaugural cost. For a car to cross, it will cost $7, for a motorcycle it is $5, and for a bus it is $13.50. The fees are collected on the south side of the bridge and need to be paid in cash or via credit card. The fees are used to support maintenance and improvements of the bridge.
| Crossing Type | Inaugural Cost (1937) | Current Cost (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Car | $0.05 | $7.00 |
| Motorcycle | $0.05 | $5.00 |
| Bus | $0.10 | $13.50 |
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and it was an incredibly cheap price to cross it on its inaugural day. Whether you are crossing for business, pleasure, or sightseeing, it is a great way to experience the beauty of the San Francisco Bay. It is a symbol of progress and modernity, and a marvel of engineering.
When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, the cost to cross it was $0.50 per car and each additional passenger cost another $0.05.
The toll has increased periodically over the years, with the most recent increase happening in 2019.
The current cost to cross the Golden Gate Bridge is $7.00 for cars, $4.00 for motorcycles, and $6.00 for carpools with three or more passengers.
In addition to the bridge toll, there is a $2.50 fee charged for cars entering San Francisco from the bridge.
Yes, there is a FasTrak system which provides discounts for frequent users of the bridge.
No, pedestrians and bicycles do not have to pay a toll to cross the bridge.
Yes, there are several other ways to pay the toll including cash, credit/debit cards, and toll tickets.
Yes, a smartphone app called Golden Gate Bridge Mobile Pay can be used to pay the toll with a phone.
No, there is no age limit for crossing the bridge.
Yes, there is a height restriction of 13 feet 6 inches for vehicles crossing the bridge.