The San Mateo County Transit District, commonly known as SamTrans, is stepping up to the plate by backing California State Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), set to be decided by voters in the upcoming November 2026 election. This regional transportation funding measure seeks to sustain local transit operations by implementing a half-cent sales tax within participating counties – a move that the SamTrans Board of Directors endorsed. "This vote reflects our commitment to protecting vital transit services here in San Mateo County and throughout the Bay Area," SamTrans Board Chair Jeff Gee explained, highlighting the significance of the initiative according to SamTrans.
Facing an annual average funding shortfall of $75 million, Caltrain is expected to benefit significantly from the measure, set to draw an estimated $135 million in yearly revenue for San Mateo County by 2031. Earmarked for Caltrain operations, a portion of these funds, amounting to $32.5 million, would rescue the rail service. Introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Sen. Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, SB 63 would, if passed, act as a bulwark against potential major service cuts for public transit.
With SamTrans joining the consortium, the Transportation Revenue Measure District (TRMD) grows stronger with the participation of San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, where they will decide the fate of Santa Clara County's involvement.
In addition to bolstering Caltrain, the anticipated funds from the tax measure would supply over $45 million annually, earmarked for public transportation priorities directly to SamTrans. As the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board's member, SamTrans shares this responsibility alongside San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. "The Board’s action today is an important step toward a more stable future for Caltrain, SamTrans and other Bay Area transit agencies," said SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. This community investment, rendered by the proposed tax, promises to hold back the devastating service cuts pressed upon the riders who need transit the most, as she told SamTrans.
