Dan Brekke, an editor and reporter at KQED News, joins Rebecca Long, Director of Legislation, and Sebastian Petty, Senior Advisor at SPUR, along with Mark Joseph, Chair of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority. They explore the struggles of Bay Area transit post-pandemic, discussing failed measures like Prop. L and the success of Measure U in Napa. The conversation delves into the implications of a Republican Congress on transit funding, the need for efficient public transportation solutions, and how local actions can meet community demands amidst uncertain federal support.
Bay Area transit agencies face significant funding challenges post-pandemic, significantly affecting service levels and ridership recovery efforts.
Local ballot measures reflect varying community priorities for transit funding, with outcomes ranging from successful initiatives to notable failures, like San Francisco's Prop. L.
The changing political landscape at the federal level introduces uncertainty for future transit funding, necessitating proactive strategies from local leaders to secure financial support.
Deep dives
Impact of the Pandemic on Bay Area Transit
The pandemic has drastically affected Bay Area transit agencies, leading to a significant drop in ridership and revenue. Many agencies have struggled to recover, with major systems like Muni operating at about 70% of pre-pandemic levels, while BART is at around 43%. This downturn has resulted in financial strain as federal aid diminishes, further complicating efforts to maintain service levels. Local transportation measures were on the ballot, but there were fewer than in previous cycles, indicating a challenging climate for funding transit infrastructure.
Outcomes of Local Transportation Measures
Various local transportation measures were voted on, with some achieving success while others, like Measure G in San Diego County, were rejected. Notably, Measure U in Napa County extended a half-cent sales tax while allowing more flexibility in fund allocation, aiming to support a mix of road repairs and improved public transit. In Berkeley, the passage of Measure FF, which focuses on enhancing bicycle infrastructure, reflects a growing trend towards sustainable transportation solutions. These local measures highlight differing community priorities and the necessity for regional strategies to address comprehensive transit needs.
Future of Federal Transit Funding
With Republicans now controlling both the House and Senate, uncertainties loom over federal support for Bay Area transit projects. Observations suggest potential challenges in securing additional relief funds or discretionary grants that are crucial for large-scale capital projects. Existing federal funding structures may remain intact, which provides some stability, but new funding opportunities could be limited. This environment necessitates a proactive approach from local and state leaders to address the impending transit funding challenges.
Recent elections resulted in new leadership positions within transit agencies, such as BART, which could influence the direction of transit policies and funding strategies. Newly elected members, like those representing districts in East Bay and San Francisco, have a critical role in shaping responses to the ongoing transit challenges. Their recognition of fiscal constraints and the need for innovative solutions to improve transit services indicates an awareness of the urgency for systemic change. The implications of these leadership changes may also extend to how future initiatives are proposed and funded.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Regional Transit Measures
The Bay Area is positioning itself for a potential regional transportation measure by 2026, aimed at addressing the collective transit funding shortfall. This initiative would require collaboration across diverse counties, which may be hindered by differing local interests and priorities. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of equitable funding that addresses both service needs and geographic representation to secure broad support. Navigating fiscal realities and challenges in unifying disparate agencies will be crucial for the successful implementation of such measures in the coming years.
Bay Area transit agencies have struggled to recover ever since the pandemic decimated ridership and revenue. Several measures on the ballot aimed to shore up public transportation. In San Francisco, Prop. L, which would have provided more funding for Muni, failed. But in Napa, voters approved Measure U to bring $25 million a year to improve transit. With a Republican administration and Congress set to take power in January, local transit agencies, concerned there may be a lack of federal support, are thinking about long term solutions to their funding shortfalls and looking to the state to do more. We’ll talk about the future of Bay Area transit funding and what it means for you.
Guests:
Dan Brekke, editor and reporter, KQED News
Rebecca Long, Director of Legislation and Public Affairs, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Sebastian Petty, Senior Advisor, Transportation Policy| SPUR
