2/21/25: All hands on deck - protect and improve transit in California ⬇️
With the California legislative session starting soon and the havoc at the federal level, we are going to need all hands on deck for public transportation. Learn about the local, state, and federal actions you can take today to protect and transform public transit. And if you’re feeling stressed by the national news, read on for opportunities to volunteer to make life better in your local community.
Urge your representative to push back against the federal government's move to pull $14 billion+ in critical CA transit funding
Recent executive orders by the Trump administration and new memos introduced by the US Department of Transportation have put at least $14.4 billion+ of critical and already promised transit funding at risk. Please sign this letter to your Congress member and Senator demanding that these funds be unfreezed.
Urge Governor Newsom to fund more transit, biking, walking; and less highway expansion
California public transit is in fiscal trouble, and there are billions of dollars in federal capital funds that the state can "flex” from highway projects towards better transit service, biking, walking, and other modes that don't require a car.
Sign this petition to tell Governor Newsom that it's time for California to fund transit, biking, and walking projects that get us all where we need to go. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently took decisive action to save transit by using federal infrastructure money flexibly; demand Governor Newsom to do the same.
Transportation Forums for Oakland and San Jose Special Elections
Upcoming special elections can significantly impact how Oakland and San Jose 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.
March 1st, 2:00pm – Transbay Coalition Happy Hour & Mixer (San Mateo)
Love timely trains, better buses, frequent ferries, safe scooters, smooth sidewalks, and exciting e-bikes? Come get to know fellow transit and active transportation supporters & advocates for better transit and more walkable/bikeable streets at this San Mateo Happy Hour & Mixer, hosted by Transbay Coalition, Friends of Caltrain, and us.
Muni cuts are coming if we don't speak up!
SFMTA is facing a significant budget deficit of up to $322 million by 2026, which accounts for nearly half of the agency's operations budget in FY 2023-24. SFMTA has already announced several cuts this February and even more cuts (up to $50 million) are coming in 2025 unless we speak up! The city’s current response to the deficit has been to balance the budget by implementing service cuts that hurt public transit riders and the system as a whole.
In response, the Transit Justice Coalition is organizing the Muni Now, Muni Forever campaign to demand that the City must quickly find a solution to SFMTA’s deficit that does not cut service or hurt San Franciscans. Join the Muni Now, Muni Forever campaign in urging San Francisco leadership to consider other revenue sources before implementing harmful cuts this year.
New from our blog
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.
Volunteer Opportunities: Tabling Events, Transit Rider Story Project, and Organizing Transit Ride-Alongs with Elected Officials!
If you’re feeling stressed by the national news, here are several opportunities to volunteer to make life better in your local community with fast, affordable seamless transit.
Build support for transit across the Bay Area by joining us for public outreach events! Sign up for the upcoming farmers’ markets in Santa Clara, Marin, and Oakland! Additionally, we need your help finding community events and places in your neighborhood where we can reach a lot of people!
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.