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Budget adds $66M for transit but proposes route eliminations and service cuts
Summary
The mayor's budget would increase general fund transit support by $66 million to nearly $336 million but proposes eliminating 12 routes and reducing early‑morning and late‑evening service on dozens of routes; the plan would draw on $96 million in TID funds and avoid an immediate fare increase.
Mayor Cava said the proposed budget increases county general fund support for transit by $66,000,000, "which brings our total county support to nearly $336,000,000 just for transit." She described transit as a top priority while warning that revenue pressures — including reductions in state dedicated transit dollars and a $25,000,000 commercial rent tax decrease — have created long‑term funding challenges.
To cover gaps, the mayor proposed drawing from the TID account with about $96,000,000 available this year and implementing targeted service adjustments focused on low‑ridership early‑morning and late‑evening trips. On the details, the administration said 12 routes would be eliminated in whole (six county‑operated, six contract‑operated) and service hours would be cut on 44 routes before 5:59 a.m. and on 38 routes after 10:01 p.m. The mayor added that the county subsidizes transit operations heavily: "Our fare box does not cover expense of transit, as you know. It's about 88¢ on the dollar that we subsidize through general fund." The administration said it is not proposing an immediate fare or fuel tax increase but remains open to those options for future consideration.
