Bay Area Lawmakers Propose Regional Sales Tax to Avert Transit Funding Crisis

SB63 targets a November 2026 ballot measure to stabilize funding for BART and Muni, which face severe deficits and potential service cuts.

State Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín introduced SB63, a bill to authorize a regional sales tax measure across up to five counties to address transit funding shortfalls.
BART and Muni project annual deficits exceeding $350 million and $300 million, respectively, starting in mid-2026, risking severe service reductions and station closures.
The proposed tax measure could raise $560 million annually if four counties participate, though it would not fully eliminate projected deficits.
The bill incorporates measures to improve transit reliability, integrate fares, and require large employers to subsidize transit passes for workers.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie plans a separate ballot measure in 2026 to secure additional funding specifically for Muni.