BART and other transit systems face fiscal cliff without new, reliable funding, Rep. Simon warns

Representative Simon told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that public transit agencies face an “existential” fiscal cliff as temporary pandemic-era emergency funding winds down.

“As emergency funds, they’re sunsetting in February 2026,” Simon said, referring to the $69 billion in federal emergency support passed after the COVID‑19 downturn. She said agencies such as Bay Area Rapid Transit have been forced to rely heavily on fare revenue and warned that BART could cut up to 80% of service without new, reliable federal support.

Simon framed the issue as a question of equity, saying transit cuts would disproportionately harm low‑income riders, people with disabilities and older adults. “This isn’t about poor financial management. In fact, it's about decades — it's a national issue,” she said, adding that transit systems used fare revenue during the pandemic to continue essential service.

She urged the committee to build on the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and to craft a reauthorization that creates sustainable operating support and other mechanisms to avoid sharp service reductions.

What was said: Simon described transit as “a lifeline” for many and asked the committee to consider funding approaches that preserve service levels as temporary pandemic-era supports expire.