3/7/25: Help win $2B to save transit in the state budget; streamlining the California State Rail Plan
State funding is an essential piece of the puzzle to save and improve transit in California.
But California underfunds transit – especially compared to other states. So people are often left waiting too long for a bus or train; while cars clog our streets and pollute our air.
As you know, BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit and other transit agencies are on the cusp of having to cut back service as support from the federal government runs out.
We can fix this. Right now, our elected representatives in Sacramento are drafting their proposals for the state’s budget of over $300 Billion. Help them get the message loud and clear: “Fund Transit, Support Our Communities.
Volunteer Opportunity - State Transit Funding
If you want to get more involved in helping California save transit we are co-hosting a Volunteer Orientation Zoom this Sunday from 5pm to 6pm. Sign up here to get plugged in!
Additionally, we’re developing a Transit Rider Story Project to help share the stories, challenges, and desires of transit riders. Too often, their voices go unheard by decision makers and we need your help to change that. Sign up if you want to get involved.
Lastly, politicians need to hear directly from residents about the current challenges and future improvements needed to make public transit better. Help influence the direction of your local politics by organizing a transit ride-along with your city council member, state legislature, or county supervisor.
Streamlining the California State Rail Plan
Did you miss this week's webinar on California State Rail Plan, with goals to electrify 1500 miles of rail and create a well-connected network of rail and transit across the state? Want to watch and share video and slides with 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? You can find the video and slides here.
Transportation Forums for San Jose and Oakland Special Elections
Upcoming special elections can significantly impact how San Jose and Oakland residents get around. The ability of City Council Members to shape city budgets and policies means they can make Oakland and San Jose places that are easier for everyone to get around in an affordable, low-carbon, safe, and accessible way - or they can continue the status quo.
Tune into these virtual transportation forums to learn directly from candidates vying for your vote about their values, vision, and plans to make it easier for Bay Area residents to get around.
Recent from our blog
California State Rail Plan embraces international best practice of Service-Led Planning
The recently updated California State Rail Plan is an exciting and ambitious long-term vision for improved, seamlessly connected rail network across the state - but it is particularly notable because it includes, as a fundamental element, an international best practice to plan capital projects based on the service outcomes delivered to riders.
Bay Area transit poll shows promise and potential solutions to the transit funding puzzle
New polling about a potential regional transportation funding measure showed results that could pass with a citizens’ signature gathering effort, and the mood of Bay Area lifting somewhat. Voters continue to value an improved system more than just stemming cuts. All of the options polled better than 50% - the threshold needed to pass a measure with a citizens’ signature gathering effort. However, none of the options reached the two-thirds threshold that would be needed if a government agency puts a measure on the ballot.
Very shortly in March there will be a lot of movement on efforts to save and improve public transit in the Bay Area as the state as the California legislative cycle gets into full swing. Stay tuned for more.