Defunding of Public Transport Poses Risk to Bay Area Commuters

Zela Maysmith

May 30

3 min read

By Zela Maysmith

The average cost of living in northern California is rising every day— not to mention the insurance, taxes, gas, and additional expenses that are required in order to routinely navigate the Bay Area. For most, the convenience and ease of travel of necessary public transit offers the most valuable change. Recently, the plummet in support for public transportation in the Bay Area reflects a significant shift in demand for more accessible and reliable methods of transport. One common route is through the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, or BART, which has been connecting the residents of the Bay since 1972, with over 131 miles of track and 50 stations. BART aims to offer quality service through quick travel around the Bay through the five counties that it connects, however, since the COVID-19 pandemic, BART has been impacted by a slew of issues such as a lack of funding along with lower commuter levels overall. Nowadays, the potential risk of losing one of the most prominent transportation systems could lead to increased job loss and a lack of access to recreational spaces as well as essential public services.

Not only is public transportation an affordable and accessible option for many, but it also reduces urban congestion and aids emission reduction efforts. National rankings on air quality and particle pollution from the American Lung Association reports that the San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland area ranks at a surprising thirteenth in largest year-round urban pollution when compared to cities all across the United States. Making the switch to more sustainable modes of transport such as public transit and electric car usage can make a world of difference for the general population, especially considering the current pollution levels in the Bay Area. In light of this, San Mateo County aims to switch to 100% zero-emissions in sales of new vehicles by 2035, one of many developing plans that outline goals to face the issues at hand. Even climate initiatives are working to improve these services, for instance, San Jose Clean Energy [SJCE] has partnered with Caltrain in order to emphasize the bridge between clean energy and efficient transport through electric powered, sustainable trains. Another long-term plan that prioritizes the wellbeing of Bay Area communities is the Transit 2050+ plan, which outlines goals to improve the accessibility and user experience of the Bay Area public transit system, aiming to better the network in place. All of these projects and plans work to apply concrete guidelines and improvements to the Bay Area community, emerging as potential aid. Despite this, local commuters have been undervalued, leading to recent budget cuts and the ongoing defunding of BART and Caltrain resources resulting in widespread public complaint.

Movements such as the Connect Bay Area campaign have involved locals protesting against these approaching changes, which one Bay Area resident described as being, “...a step backwards [...] especially considering the accessibility of BART.” Commuters across the Bay Area are speaking out through petitions, flyers, and protests against these budget cuts, arguing that transit services are one of the most necessary public resources and reducing funding could disproportionately affect working-class residents. At a recent rally at the Civic Plaza, Barnali Ghosh, the BART Board Director described the extent of the situation, saying “Under one of our worst case scenarios, BART closes at 9 p.m., trains run only once an hour, stations shut down, and 1000 workers lose their jobs,” operationally defining the very real impact of reduced funding measures. One of the primary opponents of this change is Senate Bill 63, intending to prevent major funding cuts on BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit, along with promoting and improving the commuter experience. Bill 63, otherwise known as the Connect Bay Area Act, has been collecting signatures and informing locals about the effects of legislation that directly addresses and uplifts public transit services within the Bay. This way, implementing changes and supporting public infrastructure can be achieved through collective action.

Currently, the wellbeing and quality of travel for commuters is largely impacted by developments in public infrastructure that are altering the existing networks in place, leading to public protest and demand for increased funding of these essential services. For students and residents who might not realize the importance of the Bay Area’s historic transportation networks; it is imperative to consider the perspectives of the everyday commuter working minimum wage and blue-collar jobs in a highly congested urban setting. Investing in public transportation can prove to be a revitalizing venture inside a community that prioritizes sustainability and accessibility, securing the wellbeing of residents no matter their socioeconomic status.

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