The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is contemplating significant budget cuts, including the elimination of school crossing guards, as it faces a $50 million shortfall this year and over $300 million next fiscal year. Union leaders emphasize the crucial role crossing guards play in preventing accidents, warning that their removal could lead to costly lawsuits. Additionally, proposals include reducing subsidies for towing stolen vehicles. Despite $141 million in reserves, SFMTA is at a tipping point where service reliability and quality could drastically deteriorate if cuts continue.
Union leaders argue that eliminating school crossing guards could lead to increased traffic accidents, costing the city far beyond the $2.9 million currently spent on their salaries.
The SFMTA is at a critical juncture, facing a $50 million budget deficit this year and projections of over $300 million next fiscal year, necessitating significant cuts to stabilize finances.
With $141 million in reserves, SFMTA is considering using part of this fund to avoid cuts to crucial services, like school crossing guards that enhance student safety.
Budgetary cuts such as eliminating crossing guards could ultimately undermine the city’s Vision Zero plan, aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and ensuring safer streets for its residents.
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