The Valley Transportation Authority Board voted to support a regional sales tax measure that aims to assist struggling public transit agencies in the Bay Area. Senate Bill 63 proposes a half-cent sales tax increase that could generate over $264 million annually for the VTA over the next 14 years. The funds will cover deficits and support various transit projects, including the Visionary Network plan. Board members expressed mixed sentiments regarding voter support and potential tax fatigue. The bill still requires approval from the state Assembly and the governor before it can be put on the ballot.
The Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted to join a regional sales tax measure aimed at supporting struggling public transit agencies. Senate Bill 63, if passed, would ask voters in certain Bay Area counties to decide on a half-cent sales tax increase to generate over $264 million annually for the VTA over 14 years.
VTA Ex-Officio Member Pat Burt stated that this measure could transform a challenging situation into an opportunity for residents, improving transit services, rather than losing them.
Board Member David Cohen expressed concerns about potential tax fatigue among voters, indicating that the county's participation might jeopardize the entire regional measure's success due to uncertainty about voter support.
The funding from the sales tax increase would be used to cover VTA's deficit and obligations to Caltrain, alongside supporting projects such as the Visionary Network plan to enhance transit services.
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