Bay Area Voters Approve Regional Transit Tax

Voters in five Bay Area counties approved the Regional Transit Measure, a 14-year sales tax expected to help fund public transportation and maintain service at regional agencies. Initial election returns showed about 61% support. The final certified vote totals were not included in the results reported after Election Day. The measure sets a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a 1% tax in San Francisco. It is expected to generate roughly $980 million to $1 billion annually for BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit and other transit providers. Revenue is scheduled to begin flowing to agencies next year. San Francisco voters also approved Proposition H, a separate parcel tax intended to fund Muni for 15 years. Initial returns showed support of about 72%. The tax is expected to raise an estimated $184 million annually for the city’s transit service. Transit agencies and measure supporters said the regional funding was needed to preserve service as ridership and fare revenue remain below pre-pandemic levels. They warned that without new funding, agencies could close stations, reduce train and bus service, and cut routes. The specific...