"DUBLIN - As she exited her BART train this week, Shakira Moore had no idea the station she relies on is among those BART is considering closing, if a multibillion-dollar measure making its way to this fall's election doesn't bail the transit agency out. If the proposed measure fails, BART is considering widespread cuts in 2027 that would include laying off 1,200 employees, closing 10 to 15 stations, raising fares and parking fees by up to 50%, cutting train lines and reducing train hours."
"BART has cited declining ridership due to the rise in remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic as fueling its financial crisis. Fares and parking fees collected pre-pandemic had covered about 70% of the funding for train operations, compared to now, according to data from BART, with fares covering just over 30% of operating costs. The transit agency also reports spending has outpaced revenues while, at the same time, BART is running more trains than it was before the pandemic."
BART faces a $376 million deficit and could implement major 2027 service cuts if a multibillion-dollar fall election measure fails. Proposed reductions include laying off 1,200 employees, closing 10 to 15 stations, increasing fares and parking fees by up to 50%, cutting train lines and reducing operating hours. Ridership declines tied to remote work have reduced fare revenue from about 70% pre-pandemic to just over 30% of operating costs. The agency raised fares by 6.2% on Jan. 1 but still confronts a substantial shortfall, threatening disproportionately heavy impacts on lower-income riders and those with disabilities.
Read at The Mercury News
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