A bill authorizing a 2026 regional transit ballot measure passed the state Senate in a 28-10 vote, with county representatives such as state Sens. Scott Wiener, who introduced the legislation, as well as Josh Becker supporting the initiative.
The measure would comprise a sales tax in San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa counties — with San Mateo and Santa Clara counties allowed to opt in — to raise funds to shore up some of the major transit operators’ steep fiscal cliffs, including BART and Caltrain.
Starting in fiscal year 2027 — which begins in July 2026 — Caltrain is projecting a $67 million deficit, slightly higher than originally predicted. By fiscal year 2034, the shortfall is expected to reach $82 million.
The legislation has faced a mix of support and opposition in San Mateo County. Much of the criticism — such as from officials like Jackie Speier, San Mateo County supervisor and San Mateo County Transportation Authority board member, and Metropolitan Transportation Commissioner Gina Papan — centers around concern over BART’s fiscal responsibility and whether the funds would be appropriately used by the agency.
“We need further information on the BART operations in San Mateo County — what their losses were in San Mateo County and what their operations will be in the future,” Papan said. “I and many other representatives in San Mateo County feel that BART has really dropped the ball when it comes to the stations, and I’m not sure they’re up to the task of even taking care of the stations.”
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She said she would also want to make sure that after major agencies’ deficits are narrowed, remaining funds raised by the county would stay local.
“We were not surprised by it getting through the Senate, but the negotiations are ongoing, and we want to ensure San Mateo County is not only paying their fair share but getting the appropriate operations, scheduling and better service throughout,” Papan said.
It’s yet to be determined what exactly the county would receive from the bill and how much it would raise, but it has until August to decide whether it will opt in. It is currently contemplating a quarter- or half-cent sales tax.
Others have noted the importance of continuing to support the bill, as it could have devastating impacts if significant funding is not shored up for the major transit operators.
“The Senate’s passage of SB 63 signals the beginning of a broad regional effort to keep Caltrain alive,” David Canepa, commissioner of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. He added that if the county does nothing, “Caltrain and its fleet of new electric cars may come to a screeching halt and simply shut down.”
Seriously. Did anyone think this bill wouldn’t be authorized? When transit unions talk, politicians listen. When the electorate talks, politicians don’t listen. Note there’s still no talk of fiscal management. You get the government you vote for so if you want a change, I’d recommend voting NO on providing more funds for transit union raises and their ever increasing pensions and benefits. If you have voter remorse, don’t worry, you’ll see these tax increase measures again and again. Because ever increasing pensions and benefits are just that – ever increasing.
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Seriously. Did anyone think this bill wouldn’t be authorized? When transit unions talk, politicians listen. When the electorate talks, politicians don’t listen. Note there’s still no talk of fiscal management. You get the government you vote for so if you want a change, I’d recommend voting NO on providing more funds for transit union raises and their ever increasing pensions and benefits. If you have voter remorse, don’t worry, you’ll see these tax increase measures again and again. Because ever increasing pensions and benefits are just that – ever increasing.
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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.