A transit bill authorizing a regional $1.5 billion bond measure, as well as more consolidation across the Bay Area’s 27 transportation agencies, passed the California Senate 26-10.
With the passage of Senate Bill 1031, sponsored by state Sens. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Aisha Wahab, D-Fremont, Bay Area residents from across the area’s nine counties would vote on the ballot measure, in 2026 or later, with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission — a regional financing and coordination body across the Bay Area — ultimately determining whether that comes in the form of a sales tax, parcel tax or other form of taxation.
The region’s transit agencies are expected to experience budget shortfalls totaling at least $600 million each year, with some of the largest, such as BART, reaching a $300 million annual structural deficit. Caltrain’s operating deficit is projected to be about $33 million in fiscal year 2026, although recent data shows that number growing to nearly $100 million per year beginning in 2033.
The bill would also require an assessment starting next year of how best to consolidate more transit agencies across the region. It would also enhance MTC’s authority to condition certain state funds on transit agencies’ compliance with certain transit coordination policies and future regional transportation revenue measure funds.
If this is a bill wanting a $1.5 billion bond to consolidate the transportation agencies, then vote NO. Consolidation should not require any money and if anything, should do the opposite and save money. This bill sounds like another bait and switch tactic where monies will likely be used to bail out wasteful and inefficient transportation agencies. Taxpayers won’t see a shred of value and will likely pay $3 billion for the total cost of the bond. If I recall correctly, Mark Simon was against the merger. Guess what, Mr. Simon, I’m now with you on voting NO on this bait and switch. I hope you haven’t changed your mind.
This is ALL about funding the unions, does anyone else see the correlation with all the of CA problems? Cal trans unions, public education unions etc... This is similar to the United States Postal Service that charges 68 cents to send a letter that weighs one ounce when the actual cost is $1.10. I'd personally pay $1.10 to send a letter and think nothing of it. If it's cost double the current cost to ride Bart or CalTrans then charge it. If the market doesn't bear the costs then discontinue it.
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(2) comments
If this is a bill wanting a $1.5 billion bond to consolidate the transportation agencies, then vote NO. Consolidation should not require any money and if anything, should do the opposite and save money. This bill sounds like another bait and switch tactic where monies will likely be used to bail out wasteful and inefficient transportation agencies. Taxpayers won’t see a shred of value and will likely pay $3 billion for the total cost of the bond. If I recall correctly, Mark Simon was against the merger. Guess what, Mr. Simon, I’m now with you on voting NO on this bait and switch. I hope you haven’t changed your mind.
This is ALL about funding the unions, does anyone else see the correlation with all the of CA problems? Cal trans unions, public education unions etc... This is similar to the United States Postal Service that charges 68 cents to send a letter that weighs one ounce when the actual cost is $1.10. I'd personally pay $1.10 to send a letter and think nothing of it. If it's cost double the current cost to ride Bart or CalTrans then charge it. If the market doesn't bear the costs then discontinue it.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.