BART plans 3.4 percent fare hike for 2016

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) on Tuesday announced a plan to increase fares 3.4 percent in 2016.

The amount was determined by averaging national and local inflation over a two-year period and then subtracting 0.5 percent, BART officials said in a press release.

New revenue generated from the fare increase would go toward funding BART's highest priority capital needs, including new rail cars, an automated train control system and an expanded maintenance facility. The agency will require an estimated $9.6 billion to pay for these projects over the next 10 years, according to BART's website.

As a result of the changes, the agency is seeking public input on the increase through an online survey on the agency's Title VI page, or by sending direct mail to BART's Office of Civil Rights.

The agency will also accept comments via email.