Council Helps Secure Critical $750 Million Win for Bay Area Public Transit

The Bay Area Council scored a crucial win for public transit yesterday (June 24) as Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature announced a budget agreement that included $750 million to keep Bay Area trains and buses running as the region works toward a long-term funding solution. The budget agreement also reversed $1.1 billion in proposed transit capital funding cuts, which are necessary for the ongoing work to modernize the state’s public transit system. The Bay Area Council has been at the forefront of this advocacy effort in Sacramento to secure additional operating support to ensure that BART, Muni, AC Transit and Caltrain would not have to scale back service in the coming months.

“Access to reliable, safe public transit is a critical element of our economy and quality of life. Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Scott Wiener, and Senator Jesse Arreguin for their dedicated leadership to maintain and improve our public transit system for all who live here,” said Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman.

Keeping our buses and trains operating is particularly critical as we work towards a future transportation measure slated for the ballot in November 2026. Providing the best possible transit service and rider experience between now and then will be critical to convincing voters to pass the measure that will provide sustainable support for public transit for years to come. To engage in the Council’s transportation work, contact Vice President Emily Loper.