Bay Area Transit Taxes Lead as Voters Weigh Service Cuts

The Regional Transit Measure was leading with 61% in initial returns posted Tuesday evening. It would impose a sales levy of half a cent in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a one-cent tax in San Francisco, to support more than 20 transit agencies for 14 years. San Francisco voters were also approving Proposition H, a Muni parcel tax, with 72% of votes counted in the evening returns.

Transit agencies have warned that failing to secure new revenue would force deep service reductions as they face budget gaps and fare income that has not rebounded since the pandemic. BART has outlined a plan that could close as many as 15 stations, end service at 9 p.m. and raise fares and parking fees by up to 50%. Muni has warned it may cut bus routes and service, and Caltrain has also cautioned about reductions.

BART’s deficit is estimated at $375 million, while Muni faces a $307 million gap and Caltrain a $75 million shortfall. The regional measure is expected to provide about $1 billion annually to the agencies.

Opponents argue that transit systems already receive roughly $6 billion a year through taxes, tolls and government grants, and question whether another tax increase will be the last. Supporters say the funding is needed to preserve transit service. Proposition H would charge single-family homeowners $129, with higher amounts for some other properties, and adjust the levy annually for inflation.

The regional measure would run for 14 years; Proposition H would fund Muni for 15 years. Initial returns showed both measures ahead on Election Day.

Voters Back Transit Funding to Protect Bay Area Service

Bay Area voters were choosing a lifeline for public transit as the Regional Transit Measure led with 61% in initial returns Tuesday evening. The measure would raise a half-cent sales tax in four counties and one cent in San Francisco, funding more than 20 agencies for 14 years. San Francisco’s Proposition H, which would provide additional Muni funding, was winning with 72%.

The stakes are concrete: without new revenue, agencies warn they will slash service while millions of passengers depend on buses and trains. BART’s proposed fallback could close up to 15 stations, stop running each day at 9 p.m., and sharply increase fares and parking fees. Muni has warned of bus-route and service reductions, while Caltrain has also flagged potential cuts.

The agencies face substantial gaps: $375 million for BART, $307 million for Muni and $75 million for Caltrain. The regional measure is expected to generate about $1 billion a year. Proposition H would levy $129 on single-family homes, with higher charges for certain other properties and annual inflation adjustments.

Opponents point to roughly $6 billion the agencies already receive each year in taxes, tolls and government grants. But that argument does not answer the immediate risk of a weakened transit network: supporters say the new revenue is necessary to keep the region moving. Initial returns showed voters leaning toward both funding measures.

Transit Tax Leads Despite Questions About More Public Subsidies

A new tax to support Bay Area transit was leading Tuesday, with the Regional Transit Measure at 61% in initial returns. It would add a half-cent sales tax in four counties and a one-cent tax in San Francisco for 14 years. San Francisco voters were also backing Proposition H, a parcel tax for Muni, with 72% in evening returns.

Transit agencies say they face major deficits and could make severe cuts without the new revenue. BART’s alternative plan could shut up to 15 stations, end service at 9 p.m. and raise fares and parking charges by as much as 50%. Muni has warned of bus and service reductions, and Caltrain has also raised the prospect of cuts.

But taxpayers are being asked to approve more funding for agencies that already receive around $6 billion annually through taxes, tolls and government grants. Opponents question whether another increase will resolve the underlying problem or lead to still more calls for public money. The agencies’ reported shortfalls include $375 million for BART, $307 million for Muni and $75 million for Caltrain.

The regional measure is expected to bring in about $1 billion a year. Proposition H would charge single-family homeowners $129, more for some other properties, and adjust the amount for inflation each year. Supporters say the taxes are needed to protect service; initial returns showed voters leaning toward both proposals.