Marin voters could face two transit tax measures
Bay Area agency, SMART looking at ballot plans
A proposal for a Bay Area regional transportation measure seeking to collect about $1 billion annually could come with a bundle of transit reforms, including a consolidation of transit operators and coordinated fares and schedules.
An update on the proposal was presented Friday to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission-Association of Bay Area Governments Joint Legislative Committee. Details of the plan haven't come into clear focus, but Marin transit managers are keeping a close eye on the conversation.
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit has a particular interest, given that its sales tax expires in 2029, and officials will need to seek a renewal to keep the rail line afloat. MTC is planning to submit its measure to
voters in 2026.
“The facts are, there is still a lot to be worked out with the regional measure,” said Eddy Cumins, general manager of SMART. “We're watching it as it develops and we'll see how it all comes together.”
Cumins said SMART officials haven't decided when they will seek a tax renewal.
“We know we have to go back to the voters, but what we're focused on is meeting the needs of the community and making our service as best as we can, making sure we're offering a great service,” he said.
The goal of MTC's measure is to protect and enhance transit service by creating a reliable, long-term regional source of operating revenue. It also aims to make transit safer and faster. The plan would involve safety and access improvements for cyclists and pedestrians, including signal timing and pothole
repairs.
Bay Area voters say a regional transportation measure should prioritize reforms, including better transit oversight and accountability, according
to recent polling by MTC.
“I think the support for reforms is generally saying, `I want improvements,'” said Ruth Bernstein, a consultant