Regional transit measure gathers enough signatures to head to November ballot

Caltrain faces an annual $75 million average deficit for the next 15 years starting in fiscal year 2027, which begins this July, with BART facing an average $376 million annual deficit. The measure would in large part narrow the deficits of some of the region’s major transit operators. Caltrain, for instance, is facing an annual $75 million average deficit, and BART is staring down a $376 million average annual deficit. Without significant external funding, both agencies have claimed they would have to close down a number of stations, cut service and likely shut down within just a few years.

“Public transit is a cornerstone of our economy and an essential public good that keeps our region affordable for residents,” U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco said in a Connect Bay Area press release. “Connect Bay Area will protect the public transportation service we all rely on while ensuring strong accountability so every dollar delivers reliable, safe transit.”

About $50 million from the measure would go directly to San Mateo County to use for infrastructure upgrades, street repairs and safety investments, among others. Connect Bay Area is a citizen’s initiative and needed to collect 186,000 valid signatures to be placed on the ballot, according to a recent Connect Bay Area press release. It needs a simple majority to pass.