San Mateo County Council Discusses Funding Allocation for Local Transit Services

The Atherton Town Council held a special session on July 24, 2025, focusing on transportation funding and the implications of a proposed measure for San Mateo County. A significant point of discussion was the allocation of funds raised through a potential half-cent sales tax, which aims to address the financial challenges faced by local transit agencies, including Caltrain and SamTrans.

Council members expressed concerns about ensuring that the revenue generated in San Mateo County would remain within the county and not be distributed to neighboring counties. The proposed funding model would allocate resources based on the proportion of boardings in San Mateo County, thereby directly benefiting local residents and employers who rely on public transit.

The council also discussed the measure's duration, which is expected to last between 10 to 15 years, with the possibility of it not being renewable. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of transit funding and the need for a comprehensive legislative process for any future renewal attempts.

Members highlighted the importance of public transit in reducing road congestion and promoting environmental sustainability. However, there were concerns about the financial management of transit agencies and whether the proposed funding would effectively lead to self-sustaining operations.

The session concluded with a recognition of the challenges facing public transit and the need for a collaborative approach to improve the system while ensuring that local interests are prioritized. The council plans to continue discussions on this matter as they prepare for the upcoming ballot measure in February 2026.