3/18/25: CA transit advocacy is in full swing this Spring! 🌼
We are springing into action right now for the state legislative cycle where there is a $2 billion state budget request to fund California transit, a bill authorizing a Bay Area transportation funding ballot measure, an initiative to reauthorize the Cap-and-Trade program, and other legislation aimed at reducing the cost and accelerating the pace of transit project delivery. Read this newsletter to learn about these opportunities and how you can support building a seamless California transit network.
Two actions you can take to save California public transit
Transit in California is struggling. Agencies across the state are on the verge of having to cut service, offering far less service than our communities deserve, and sometimes both. They need more funding. RIGHT NOW, our elected representatives in Sacramento are coming up with the spending plan for the state’s $300 Billion budget. A group of legislators are pushing to get $2 billion from the state budget to fund transit agencies and support our communities across the state.
But to get that funding, we need to get more legislators and the Governor on board with the proposal. Making sure they get the message loud and clear: “Fund Transit, Support Our Communities," is going to take a lot of work -- and so we need your help in this campaign.
Additionally, whatever skills you bring to the table (or are up for learning) can be used to help this campaign. We need people who can help write, research, edit, graphic design, pass out flyers, organize databases, translate materials, and so much more. If you want to help out, or are curious to learn more, please register to join this March 23th Volunteer Orientation for the Fund Transit, Support Our Communities Campaign to get a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening, what work needs to be done, and how you can help out.
Recordings – Oakland and San Jose Special Election Candidate Transportation Forums
Ballots are now out for the Oakland Mayoral, Oakland District 2, and San Jose District 3 Special Elections!
Still undecided about who to vote for? Listen to these candidate forums to learn directly from candidates vying for your vote about their values, vision, and plans for better public transportation, walking, biking, and rolling.
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Oakland City Council District 2
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March 28th, 9am-3pm – Move Bay Area North Bay Transportation Summit (Napa)
Care about the interconnection of climate, health and transportation? Help build the regional vision at the Move Bay Area North Bay Summit at Napa Valley College!
Whether you’re a policymaker, transit advocate, labor representative, or community member passionate about a sustainable future, this event is for you! Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and help shape the future of transportation in the North Bay.
Register now to secure your free spot! Seating is limited.
March 28th, 4:00-5:30pm – Electrify Our Future: Clean Energy and Sustainable Transportation (Milpitas)
Our friends at Catalyze SV are hosting an upcoming education event, Electrify Our Future: Clean Energy and Sustainable Transportation, in Milpitas.
Join this event for a panel discussion, inspiring testimonials, and resources to support sustainable transportation choices in the South Bay.
This event is supported by Silicon Valley Clean Energy, MTC, Caltrain, and Silicon Valley Clean Cities Coalition.
Recent from our Blog
State funding needed to advance transit transformation
Securing new transit operating funding from the State government was a major focus of the California Transit Transformation Task Force’s December and February meetings. The funding discussion is critical, since California historically underfunds transit compared to other states, and available funding is not enough to meet the state’s goals for ridership, climate, housing, and affordability.
Renewing Cap-and-Trade program to help fund public transportation
California's Cap-and-Trade program provides billions in funding for public transportation in the Bay Area and statewide. In the Bay Area, funds have supported a range of needs including major rail and bus projects, bus electrification, and student transit discount programs. Reauthorizing the Cap-and-Trade program before its 2030 expiration date is a key piece of the puzzle with statewide, regional, and local funding and reforms needed to save and improve transit.
Promoting open payment to attract new riders to Bay Area transit
MTC and transit agencies have opportunities to increase transit ridership by promoting the upcoming capability to pay by credit/debit cards and Apple/Google wallets for tourists and for people taking trips to sports and entertainment who aren’t frequent transit users.
Recording: Streamlining the California State Rail Plan
Did you miss our webinar on California State Rail Plan, which outlines the state's ambitious goal to electrify 1500 miles of rail and create a well-connected network of rail and transit across the state?
Check out the event recording and slides to get an explanation of the plan’s use of international practices of service-led planning from California’s Chief of Rail Planning and Implementation, and insights on streamlining implementation of the plan from Eric Goldwyn of NYU’s Transit Costs Projects Adriana Rizzo of Californians for Electric Rail.
