With Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 63, known as the Connect Bay Area Transit Act, a major regional push to secure the future of public transportation in Northern California has officially begun. The bill, signed on October 13, authorizes a voter initiative for a 14-year regional sales tax measure that would appear on the November 2026 ballot. The proposal seeks to generate billions in funding to sustain and expand Bay Area transit networks, including BART, Caltrain, and the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
The new legislation has sparked swift mobilization among transit advocates, labor unions, and business groups who have formed the Connect Bay Area Transit Committee. Their mission is to build regional momentum for the measure through public outreach, education, and signature gathering. The coalition must secure more than 186,000 valid signatures across Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties by June 3, 2026, to qualify the initiative for the ballot.
According to committee spokesperson Jeff Cretan, while signature collection cannot begin until next year, early efforts are focused on fundraising and coalition-building. “This is a huge effort—it’s five counties,” Cretan said. “We’re working to engage community organizations and explain why a unified transit network is essential for the region’s economy and environment.”
The proposal’s fiscal impact could be transformative. By 2031, VTA alone is projected to gain approximately $264 million annually from the tax, helping the agency close expected budget deficits while funding service improvements and network expansion. Each county’s collected tax revenue would be distributed proportionally among its serving agencies, meaning VTA would receive the bulk of Santa Clara County’s contributions.
For other agencies, particularly BART, the measure is viewed as a financial lifeline. BART’s emergency reserves are expected to be depleted by 2026, and internal projections show that even drastic service reductions—including closing multiple stations and shortening operational hours—would not bridge its funding gap. Estimates from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) indicate that BART could receive up to $330 million annually by 2031 if the measure passes.
Advocates argue that the new funding is critical not just for maintaining operations but for preserving the Bay Area’s quality of life. Without a reliable public transit network, they warn that traffic congestion on major freeways such as 101, 280, 680, and 880 would worsen dramatically. “Without this regional measure, we’re looking at massive cuts to BART and Caltrain, and that means gridlock,” said Carter Lavin, co-founder of the Transbay Coalition and a member of the committee’s advocacy council. “Imagine thousands of current rail riders being forced onto already congested roads—it’s unsustainable.”
Supporters also emphasize the measure’s broad benefits beyond daily commuters. They argue that maintaining robust public transportation will support climate goals, economic growth, and equitable mobility. Early polling suggests that voters understand the urgency: a January MTC survey found majority support for a regional tax to prevent transit cuts, and a subsequent May VTA poll confirmed similar approval levels. A new MTC poll reflecting the finalized SB 63 proposal is expected to be released soon.
Although the measure would need only a simple majority to pass, its backers are aware of the challenges ahead. Economic uncertainty, competing local measures, and voter fatigue with new taxes could complicate the campaign. Nonetheless, elected officials such as VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez have pledged their support.
Under state law, VTA itself cannot advocate for the measure, but it can share factual information. Advocates hope strong community outreach will fill that gap. Adina Levin, executive director of Seamless Bay Area, said polling reflects residents’ growing desire for an efficient and connected transit system. “People don’t want to see the status quo,” Levin said. “They want transit that’s reliable, convenient, and built for the future.”
As the Connect Bay Area Transit Committee ramps up its regional campaign, the stakes are high. Supporters say the measure represents not only a funding mechanism but also a statement of commitment to sustainable urban living. If approved, the 14-year tax could reshape mobility in the Bay Area, ensuring that public transit remains the backbone of one of America’s most dynamic regions.
