Bay Area voters approve transit funding measures
Voters across the San Francisco Bay Area approved two measures intended to shore up public transit agencies facing severe financial shortfalls. The regional measure won 62.2% support across the five counties that voted on it, while 78.6% of San Francisco voters backed it. A separate parcel tax for the city’s Muni system passed with 73.6% support in San Francisco.
The regional measure sets a 0.5% sales tax in four counties and a 1% tax in San Francisco. It is expected to raise about $1 billion a year for the region’s four largest transit operators. Muni will also receive funding through the city’s parcel tax.
Without the measures, BART could have closed as many as 15 stations, while Caltrain faced the prospect of shutting 10 stations and ending weekend service. Muni could have cut a third of its service, dropped 20 bus routes and suspended streetcars and cable cars. All three systems faced the prospect of ending evening service.
Transit advocates say the cuts could have worsened a cycle of declining ridership and revenue. The funding measures may yet be challenged in court by groups opposed to taxation. Rebecca Long of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission said the body administering regional funds is ready to defend the measure’s validity and voters’ decision. Advocates also want state leaders to consider broader changes to transit funding before the measures expire in about 15 years.
Bay Area voters protect transit from devastating cuts
Bay Area voters chose to protect public transit, approving a regional sales tax expected to raise about $1 billion annually and a separate parcel tax for San Francisco’s Muni. The regional measure received 62.2% support across five counties, and 73.6% of San Francisco voters backed the Muni tax.
The choice was stark: without the funding, BART could have closed up to 15 stations, Caltrain could have shut 10 stations and ended weekend service, and Muni could have eliminated a third of its service. The city’s system also faced the loss of 20 bus routes and the suspension of streetcars and cable cars. Each system could have ended evening service.
Those cuts risked pushing agencies into a cycle where reduced service drives away riders and fare revenue, making further cuts more likely. That would leave residents with fewer affordable ways to travel across a region where roads and bridges are already prone to congestion.
The measures give transit agencies a financial lifeline, but the funding could still be held up by legal challenges from anti-tax groups. Rebecca Long of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission said it is prepared to defend the measure and voters’ decision. Advocates say state leaders should treat transit as essential and pursue lasting funding changes before the measures expire in about 15 years.
Bay Area transit tax vote brings funding, not lasting answers
Bay Area voters approved a major new tax commitment for public transit, with 62.2% supporting the regional measure across five counties. It sets a 0.5% sales tax in four counties and a 1% tax in San Francisco. City voters also approved a parcel tax for Muni, with 73.6% in favor.
The agencies warned of steep service reductions without the money: BART could have closed as many as 15 stations, Caltrain could have shut 10 and ended weekend service, and Muni could have cut a third of its service. Muni also faced the possible loss of 20 bus lines and its streetcars and cable cars. All three systems could have ended evening service.
The vote provides a substantial infusion for agencies that have struggled with low ridership and reliance on fares. But a tax measure is not a permanent answer: the regional funding is due to expire in about 15 years, and anti-tax groups could challenge it in court. Such a challenge could delay access to the funds.
Transit advocates want state leaders to change how public transportation is funded. That debate should weigh the service residents need against the tax burden voters have now approved. The measure’s administrators say they are ready to defend it, while advocates are urging officials to act before the next funding crisis.
Reported by The Guardian, KTVU FOX 2.
