Pedestrians cross trains outside of the West Portal MUNI station. Photo: Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
State lawmakers have introduced a plan to save the Bay Area's public transit systems amid severe budget shortfalls that could cause widespread service cuts.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that the Bay Area faces a very frightening situation when it comes to public transportation. If we do nothing, we will see massive service cuts ... and that will be horrific." — State Sen. Scott Wiener
Driving the news: State Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín, who both represent Bay Area regions, introduced a bill Monday to place a sales tax measure on next year's November ballot in up to five Bay Area counties, including San Francisco.
The goal is to provide a long-term funding solution for struggling agencies, including BART and Muni.
Caltrain and AC Transit are similarly facing financial hardship.
Threat level: Without new funding, BART could limit train frequency to once an hour and cut weekend service entirely, while the SFMTA could cut 20 bus lines and face a 50% reduction in frequency, Wiener said.
The bottom line: Drastic service reductions could disrupt downtown's recovery, increase traffic and lead to longer commute times, he added.
