MTC wants Bay Area counties to get on board same bus for regional transportation funding

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) convened to explore solutions for the budget deficits plaguing Bay Area transit agencies. Key discussions focused on California Senate Bill 63, which could facilitate a regional sales tax measure for voters in five counties, potentially on the 2026 ballot. The proposed tax includes a half-cent increase for Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, and a one-cent increase for San Francisco. Mayor Matt Mahan of San Jose stressed the importance of equitable funding across counties to prevent severe cuts to transit services. Officials remain optimistic that all counties will reach an agreement by the August 11 deadline for participation in the bill.

The funding plan aims to support major transit operators such as BART, Caltrain, and the San Francisco Bay Ferry while ensuring smaller operators also receive necessary funding. Additionally, the MTC allocated over $21 million from previous measures to transit agencies for projects that enhance service efficiency. The urgency to secure funding stems from concerns that reduced transit services could negatively impact the region's economy and quality of life.