With Eye on Improving Transit Efficiency, Council Backs $2 Billion State Funding Ask to Avoid Service Cuts

This morning the Bay Area Council joined state Sen. Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley), other state legislators, and a coalition of over 60 organizations from across the state in a call for $2 billion in state funds over the next two years to avoid drastic cuts to public transit service. This request builds on the Council’s past success in securing transit operating funding from the state budget two years ago, but additional funding is required to bridge the operating gap as the Bay Area works toward a long-term solution with a regional measure.

“Access to reliable, safe public transit is a critical element of our economy and quality of life.  This state funding is critical to keep our systems running while we develop long term solutions to improve continued function and improve efficiency,” said Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman.

The Bay Area Council is heavily involved in the development of a 2026 regional funding measure to support transit and transportation, and recently called for a financial efficiency review of Bay Area transit operators (download) to identify areas to cut costs while also maintaining and improving service in order to restore voter confidence to win at the ballot. The Council has also emphasized the importance of crafting a measure that responds to the needs of voters. A poll released last week shows strong regional support for the recently electrified Caltrain service, with 82% of respondents reporting a favorable view of the system and nearly two-thirds of voters in San Francisco and San Mateo counties saying they would support a tax measure to support the system. The Council played a leading role in conceiving the electrification project and securing the funding to make it happen.

Another recent survey conducted by San Francisco Bay Ferry showed strong public support for including enhanced ferry service in a regional revenue measure, with 65% of respondents indicating they would support raising revenue for expanded ferry service. To engage in the Council’s transportation work, please contact Vice President Emily Loper.