Legislators Call for $2 Billion for Public Transport Across California

Sacramento lawmakers have called upon the state to invest 2 billion USD to support transit initiatives across California.

The request, led by State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) and Assembly Member Mark González (D-Los Angeles), has asked for the flexible funding to be allocated over two years, beginning in the 2025-2026 financial year.

The legislators, alongside a number of public agencies including transit operators, business groups and unions, have also received the backing from San Francisco Mayor, Daniel Lurie, who has sent a letter of recommendation to Sacramento to endorse the request.

Any money received would be dedicated toward a plethora of local projects, including the provision of aid to close budget gaps and help to prepare transit agencies in the preparation ahead of any larger events, such as Superbowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in February, as well as the World Cup at both Levi’s Stadium and within Los Angeles months later.

Arreguín and González said in letters asking for the budget allocation:

Public transit is the backbone of our state’s economy.

Unfortunately, transit agencies statewide continue to face severe financial challenges.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has stated that without the funding, its own budget gap would reach 320 million due to a lack of current state and federal relief funding, with the operator having partnered with the San Francisco Controller’s Office to convene the Muni Funding Working Group, which is now working on ways in which to close the shortfall.

The SFMTA’s next meeting for the Muni Funding Working Group is set to take place on March 21 2025, and will be held at 1455 Market Street in San Francisco.