SACRAMENTO – Legislation aimed at securing long-term funding for Bay Area public transit, Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), is moving forward with the inclusion of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, expanding the proposed measure to a five-county effort. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced the development, stating that the expanded support advances the bill to authorize a regional transit funding measure for the November 2026 ballot. This initiative is designed to create "a bright future for transit in the Bay Area," as Senator Wiener shared in a recent social media post.
The "Connect Bay Area Act," co-authored by Senator Wiener and Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), seeks to stabilize and strengthen public transportation across the region. This comes as major transit agencies, including BART, MUNI, Caltrain, and AC Transit, face significant fiscal challenges and potential service cuts. The bill aims to prevent a looming operational deficit estimated to reach between $500 million and $800 million annually by fiscal year 2026-27.
SB 63 proposes a regional sales tax measure, typically set at a half-cent, to provide sustainable funding. San Francisco County would have the option to increase its local sales tax to one cent to provide additional support for its MUNI system. This long-term solution is critical as temporary state funding, including $1.1 billion secured in 2023, is set to expire by mid-2026, which would otherwise lead to devastating service reductions.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the regional transportation authority, is authorized by SB 63 to develop the specific funding plan. The legislation emphasizes the need for improved financial efficiency, coordination, safety, and reliability across transit systems. The measure also seeks to fund rider-focused improvements, ensuring that agencies receiving funds comply with regional network management policies.
While the inclusion of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties alongside Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco marks a significant step, the proposed ballot measure faces an "uphill battle" for voter approval in 2026. Proponents argue that robust, reliable public transportation is essential for the Bay Area's economy, climate goals, and overall quality of life, making the successful passage of SB 63 crucial for the region's future.