Media Contact: Mahmoud Abunie, 650-730-6201
The California State Legislature today approved Senate Bill (SB) 63, a regional transit funding measure designed to stabilize and improve public transportation along the Peninsula and throughout the Bay Area. The bill, authored by Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín, now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
SamTrans would like to express appreciation for the bill authors’ leadership in protecting our public transit network and the tireless advocacy of Assemblymember Diane Papan, who strengthened accountability and oversight provisions to ensure more transparency and local benefits for San Mateo County.
If signed into law by the Governor and approved by voters next year, SB 63 would deliver significant benefits for San Mateo County. Among them:
- Caltrain service preserved: The measure would fully fund San Mateo County’s share of Caltrain’s operating costs and help preserve electrified service every 30 minutes.
- More resources for local transit: Over $45 million annually in new, flexible funding for SamTrans to invest directly in public transportation needs across the county.
- Stronger regional connections: Dedicated funding for BART and Muni service, which together carry more than five-million riders annually in San Mateo County.
- Accountability strengthened: Oversight provisions that guarantee San Mateo County has a seat at the table, receives its fair share of service and benefits, and require regional transit agencies to plan for long-term financial sustainability.
“Lawmakers in Sacramento heard our concerns and worked together to create stronger oversight and accountability measures than originally proposed,” said SamTrans Board of Directors Chair Jeff Gee. “This measure provides critical resources we need to maintain Caltrain service, strengthen SamTrans operations, and protect vital regional connections with BART and Muni for our riders that rely on public transportation here in San Mateo County.”
In August, the SamTrans Board of Directors voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the regional measure at a half-cent sales tax, making oversight and accountability for taxpayers and transit riders a top priority in SB 63.
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The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976. SamTrans was named the 2024 Outstanding Public Transportation System by the American Public Transportation Association, recognizing the agency’s excellence in safety, service, operations and innovation.
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