Legislative approval brings Bay Area transit funding a step closer to public voting for long-term financing
The future of public transportation in the Bay Area hangs in the balance as Governor Gavin Newsom faces a crucial decision. The bill, SB63, has been approved by state lawmakers and now awaits the Governor's approval by an October 12 deadline.
If signed into law, the measure would enable leaders in five Bay Area counties to authorise a sales tax measure on the ballot in November 2026. This tax increase, set at a default rate of one-half cent, with San Francisco's tax rate at 1 cent, would provide funding for BART, Muni, and other Bay Area transit agencies for 14 years.
Transit advocates claim that a poll shows voters would approve the measure if it were on the ballot today. However, without the bridge loan, the Bay Area faces catastrophic cuts to the transit system. A $750 million bridge loan, agreed upon by lawmakers and Newsom earlier this year, has not been formally approved yet.
The matter of the bridge loan could be tabled until January. In the meantime, the Bay Area transit agencies are facing an immediate problem of survival until the new law's tax dollars start flowing in.
BART and Muni are facing significant financial challenges. BART projects a funding gap of $375 million to $400 million a year beginning in 2027, while Muni faces a $322 million annual deficit. Without funding, Bay Area transit agencies may have to make devastating cuts to service, such as closing stations and limiting train service to once an hour on BART, and a 50% reduction in frequency on many Muni lines.
To ensure accountability, the bill includes measures requiring transit agencies to cut costs to receive further funding. Both BART and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency have acknowledged a looming budget shortfall and are trying to tackle the impending fiscal crisis "from every angle."
Supporters of the measure are relying on citizen groups to sponsor it so it needs only a simple majority to pass, unlike most tax hikes which require a two-thirds majority from voters to pass. If the bill is signed into law, the passage would protect essential Muni service and equip the agency with resources to continue investing in its infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.
BART spokesperson Alicia Trost hailed the legislation as a "historic opportunity" to preserve and improve transit. Sebastian Petty, senior transit policy advisor at SPUR, considers the passage of the measure "absolutely essential" to the region's economy, environment, and quality of life.
As the deadline approaches, advocates are urging citizens to get loud and involved to save the transit network. The bill, if passed, would be a significant step towards securing the future of public transportation in the Bay Area.
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