As the Bay Area seeks to pass a transformational regional ballot measure in 2026, the lessons of Switzerland’s 1980s ‘pivot’ could not be more timely and relevant. Critically, the Swiss transit turnaround involved both raising more funding for transit and getting governance right – establishing a transportation network manager with the mandate to oversee coordination at both the national and regional scales.
Read MoreAt full implementation, VTA’s Visionary Network would offer 83% more service compared to current 2023 service, with 77% more service on weekdays and 87% more service on weekends. The service improvements are anticipated to cost 44% above the current operating budget, and to attract 45-70% more riders.
Read MoreThe San Francisco Bay Ferry, operated by WETA, has one of the highest transit ridership recoveries among services providing longer-distance regional trips. Golden Gate Ferry, WETA’s most direct counterpart, has experienced ridership recovery levels consistently between 10-25% lower than that of WETA.
Read MoreIn a bid to make transit more affordable for low-income individuals, MTC staff recommended extending the means-based fare discount Clipper START program for an additional two years till June 2025. MTC is working on ways to expand adoption of the program, which currently serves a tiny share of people who are eligible.
Read MoreA key success factor in Switzerland’s attractive, high ridership system is the principle of "One journey, One ticket": the idea that when you pay a fare, it's for your entire journey, no matter how many times you transfer between modes or operators.
Read MoreThis past Saturday, over 200 protesters in SF and Oakland staged a mock funeral procession for transit agencies mourning the huge loss that’ll occur given no changes in Governor Newsom’s Budget proposal.
Read MoreThe first full day of the study tour of Bay Area transit leaders kicked off in Bern, Switzerland’s capital and fifth largest city, with sessions with senior representatives the federal government and transport associations.
Read MoreIt’s all over the news - transit in the Bay Area is in trouble, and needs immediate funding from the state to avoid massive cuts that would disproportionately hurt low-income transit dependent people - and lead to a huge increase in driving. If there was ever a time to take a hard look at agency consolidations - combining some of our 27 agencies to both improve decision-making, capacity, effectiveness, and efficiency - it is now.
Read MoreI arrived a couple of days early into Zurich before the official start of the delegation visit to get to know transit on my own a bit. Here are my first impressions.
Read MoreThe news on saving California transit over the last week includes a small amount of progress but not nearly enough. Read on for what happened at last week’s state budget hearings, what’s happening next, and what you can do before the budget deadline on midnight of June 15.
Read MoreSeamless Bay Area’s Policy Director will be among eleven Bay Area public transportation leaders who will travel to Switzerland next week to study how the country organizes, coordinates, and funds its world-renowned seamless public transit system.
Read MoreIt’s down to the wire - this week Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, key state legislative budget committees will take critical votes on proposals that could avert or accelerate the transit fiscal cliff.
Read MoreJoin the second annual Bay Area transit cohort running Bay to Breakers on Sunday May 21st, 2023! All transit fans, friends, and family are welcome for this fun event - a 12k fun run through San Francisco.
Read MoreIn a promising sign for an integrated regional fare system, early data from the Clipper BayPass Program finds that users are taking on average 40% more trips than their peers who only have access to single-agency “institutional passes”.
Read MoreA $16M expansion of the Bay Wheels bike-share contract was approved by the MTC Operations Committee at their February 10th meeting. The contract will increase the range and quality of the bike-share service while lowering the cost for riders. This is an important first step toward using public funding to provide affordable, easy-to-access bikeshare as part of a well-integrated public transportation system.
Read MoreRiders pushing for a seamless transit system have the opportunity to speak up for free and reduced cost transfers for trips between agencies this Monday 3/27.
In recent weeks, transportation policy and budget committees in the California legislature have held several hearings focused on the fiscal cliff facing public transportation in the state. 72% of agencies - serving 80% of the state’s current transit riders - will be facing budget shortfalls in the next several years as federal Covid relief funding runs out.
Read MoreIn late February, the BART board held its annual board workshop. Major themes this year were financial stability and improving customer experience. The need for a sustainable funding strategy including new funding was front and center given the change in work patterns affecting BART revenue.
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