Millbrae council backs letter seeking county funding for BART fare gates

The Millbrae City Council on May 13 voted 5-0 to authorize Mayor Mark Fung to sign a letter of support for the Bay Area Rapid Transit Districts application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for funding to install fare gates at stations including Millbrae.

Supporters said the gates reduce fare evasion and improve safety; residents asked for more detail about total costs, timing and whether cities would be left to cover any shortfall. The council moved to send the letter after city staff and several council members described the regional funding effort and the countys role in the grant timeline.

City manager Tom Williams summarized the councils position: "I'd focus on what the item is at hand, which is just simply a letter of support for BART's application to the San Mateo County TA." He said the TA will consider the grant application in early June, which is why staff recommended a supportive letter now.

In public comment several residents raised objections to signing the letter before key questions were answered. Grace Schwarup said she was "opposed to sending a letter in support," citing BARTs published funding plan and asked whether counties and cities would ultimately bear costs. Anne Snyder, who identified herself as a longtime community member, said funding the gates shows that San Mateo County "has ponied up" but urged caution about county commitments to city financial backstops.

Council members discussed the regional funding picture and the share of gates located in Millbrae; Mayor Fung said Millbrae has 29 of roughly 82 gates in the regional program. Council member Riley and the vice mayor said they had seen reductions in fare jumping and improved safety where gates were installed. After discussion the council voted 5-0 to allow the mayor to submit the letter in support.