The mission of the Golden Gate
Bridge, Highway & Transportation District (District) is to provide
safe and reliable operation, maintenance and enhancement of
the Golden Gate Bridge and to provide transportation services, as resources
allow, for customers within the U.S. Highway 101 Golden Gate Corridor.
With the mandate from the California
State Legislature to enter the public transit business, the District planned, developed,
and implemented what is today a nationally renowned bus and ferry system. The
District is also unique among Bay Area transit operations because it provides transit
services without support from local sales tax measures or dedicated general funds. As the
District does not have the authority to levy taxes, the use of surplus Bridge toll revenue
is the only available local means the District has to support the District's transbay
transit services. Presently, Golden Gate Transit bus and ferry operations are funded
approximately 50 percent by surplus Golden Gate Bridge tolls and 30 percent by transit
fares. The remainder is met by federal, state and local subsidies along with advertising
and property equipment rental revenues.