The BART Board of Directors approved a two-year budget Thursday, which includes a less-than-inflation-rate fare increase of 3.4%, as well as plans to increase service throughout the system.

The fare increase, effective July 1, will add 15 cents to the average fare of $3.78 to cover the costs of “safe and reliable service,” according to a BART press release. The press release added the increase is expected to generate $15 million in revenue over fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

Additionally, the budget will fund more consistent train intervals beginning this September to reduce wait times. Starting Feb. 2023, BART plans to run five-line service until closure Saturday evenings.

The budget also includes funds to modernize the underground restroom at the Downtown Berkeley station.

“Using transit should be easy,” said BART Board President Rebecca Saltzman in the press release. “The service plan enabled by this budget makes taking BART more convenient and less complicated.”