SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The future of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency has reached a “critical moment” with the agency staring down a potential $320 million budget gap. That’s what SFMTA said in a blog posted on Friday calling for community participation as the agency looks to stave off a crisis.
“San Francisco’s transportation system is in crisis,” SFMTA wrote. “We’re facing a severe budget shortfall. Without new funding, we risk losing essential services that thousands of people depend on every day.”
The agency warned of “devastating cuts” to Muni and other “critical transportation programs.”
“These changes would affect everyone, whether you walk, bike, drive or take Muni,” the agency stated.
Citing ongoing pandemic-era challenges that include parking fees, transit fares, tax revenue, and grant funding, SFMTA said it now faces a financial dilemma. SFMTA said it has seen a decline in funding while operating costs have continued to rise “due to historically high inflation.”
SFMTA’s next fiscal year starts in July, and by then, the agency said it will no longer have the revenue to maintain its current level of service. By July of next year, SFMTA said it could be facing a $320 million budget gap.
“This gap isn’t just a number,” the agency wrote. “It represents real consequences for people who rely on Muni, paratransit services and safe streets every single day. Our work supports people taking the bus to work, biking through the city and driving to appointments.”
In addition to servicing 500,000 people daily on Muni, the agency is also responsible for:
- Maintaining traffic signals
- Painting curbs for new loading zones
- Responding to changing traffic patterns
- Improving road safety
“These services cannot continue without a sustainable funding model,” SFMTA said. The agency is holding a series of discussions to try and address the impending crisis. Stakeholders involved include representatives from the Mayor Lurie’s office, the SF Board of Supervisors, Controller’s Office, SFMTA Board of Directors, business, labor, community advocates and transit experts.
The next such meeting is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31. The public is invited to attend, either in person or online.
“We are at a critical moment,” SFMTA said. “We can no longer afford to delay this conversation. SFMTA needs to raise new funds — and we need to start doing it now. We welcome you to join us in this important dialogue.”
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The future of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency has reached a “critical moment” with the agency staring down a potential $320 million budget gap. That’s what SFMTA said in a blog posted on Friday calling for community participation as the agency looks to stave off a crisis. “San Francisco’s transportation […]
Leave a Reply