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MTA presents budget picture: shortfall projection, T Third impacts and options for golf fund; committee continues final action
Summary
Muni staff told the committee the agency faces a multi‑year structural gap, outlined steps to improve vehicle availability and hire operators and enforcement staff, proposed a hybrid approach for golf courses, and requested further review; the committee continued the MTA budget hearing for later formal action.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency staff presented the FY2007–08 operating and five‑year capital program and outlined the agency’s attempts to address a long‑term structural funding gap.
MTA staff said the agency has increased vehicle availability (from about 100 to roughly 125 light‑rail vehicles available daily) and has been hiring mechanics, operators and revenue‑collection personnel. Staff described initiatives to improve on‑time performance — including additional street supervisors, a Transit Effectiveness Project and hiring of proof‑of‑payment officers — and noted short‑term costs tied to training, overtime and bringing the T Third line into regular service.
On the agency’s financial position, presenters said the multi‑year gap is substantial and will require a mix of operational changes, vacancy hirings and new revenues. In the staff presentation the shortfall projection for the agency’s future years was described in the hearing record as large; staff outlined a list of potential revenue opportunities and said a blue‑ribbon panel would vet them over a roughly 120‑day period.
Supervisors pressed staff on overtime — the agency has run well above prior budgets in overtime while it fills operator vacancies — and on service changes tied to the T Third opening that affected the N/Judah service pattern. MTA staff said they are refining service plans and expect to propose adjustments (including route sign‑ups and rollouts) in the coming weeks and will return to the committee for final budget action. The committee continued the MTA budget item to a subsequent meeting to allow more time for analysis and board briefings.
On golf, Recreation & Park Department staff earlier presented a hybrid management approach (leases for Harding and Lincoln with city maintenance or other solutions for Golden Gate Park; Sharp Park under active discussion with Pacifica and other partners) to address a persistent golf fund shortfall. The committee approved release of $2,474,657 in reserve funds to maintain operations through the fiscal year; roll‑call showed four supervisors in favor and Chair Daley opposed.
What happens next: MTA will return with more definitive service adjustments and contract language; the committee will take final action on the MTA appropriation and salary ordinance at a later hearing. RPD will move forward under the reserve release while it continues to refine lease/management proposals.
