San Francisco Transit Agency Explores Creative Solutions to $320M Budget Shortfall

The SFMTA is considering higher parking fees and repurposing garage rooftops, including for pickleball courts, as part of early-stage revenue strategies.

• The SFMTA faces a projected $320 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year, driven by a 20% decline in parking garage usage since the pandemic.
• To address the shortfall, the agency has already raised parking rates and streamlined operations, with additional measures under consideration.
• Proposals include converting underutilized parking garage rooftops into pickleball or tennis courts, though these ideas are in the early stages of discussion.
• Some community members and pickleball players support the rooftop court concept but express concerns about potential costs and feasibility.
• Experts emphasize that increasing public transit ridership is essential for the agency's long-term financial sustainability.

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