The tax measure backed by Sen. Scott Wiener and Sen. Aisha Wahab to provide funding for San Francisco regional transit providers, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, was recently pulled amid opposition. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1031, was approved in the Senate with a vote of 26-10 on May 31. However, the backers decided to pause the measure as it moved to the Assembly in order to address the regional differences that were causing controversy.
One of the main sources of opposition to the tax measure came from Santa Clara County, located on the south end of San Francisco Bay. Figures such as San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, state Sen. Dave Cortese, and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez were vocal in their opposition. They argued that the tax proposal would burden their constituents in order to support transit agencies that primarily benefit other regions.
The bill in question would have given the Metropolitan Transportation Commission the authority to choose from a variety of tax methods to generate $1.5 billion for the BART system. Options included a half-cent sales tax, payroll tax, regional vehicle surcharge, or a combination of these methods. The goal was to address the financial struggles of the BART system, which has been hit hard by the decline in commuter ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BART, which operates 131 miles of rail service across five counties, faced an impending fiscal crisis with annual operating deficits projected to reach $385 million by 2027. Prior to the pandemic, farebox revenue was a significant source of funding for the system. However, with ridership still significantly below pre-pandemic levels, BART is in dire need of financial support. Federal COVID relief funds are running out, further exacerbating the financial challenges.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission scheduled a special meeting to discuss the tax measure and how to achieve regional consensus on placing it on the ballot. MTC Chair Alfredo Pedroza emphasized the importance of unity among commissioners and the need for a proposal that garners broad support. The commission plans to engage with key stakeholders in the coming months to help craft a bill that is agreeable to all parties involved.
The tax measure intended to provide much-needed funding for San Francisco transit providers faced significant hurdles and opposition. The decision to pause the measure highlights the challenges of navigating regional differences and balancing the needs of various stakeholders. Moving forward, finding a solution that addresses the financial struggles of transit providers while gaining widespread support will be crucial for the future of public transportation in the Bay Area.