State Bill Pushes Regional Transit Tax

SB 63, spearheaded by Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Senator Jesse Arreguin of Berkeley, aims to implement a regional transit tax across the Bay Area. Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) previously discussed whether to participate in a regional tax measure or pursue its own local measure. This legislation appears to lean them more towards a regional approach. It is important to note that these options are not mutually exclusive, and the agency could choose a combination of both.

VTA is carefully assessing whether joining a regional initiative would return as many local resources as their previous measure. Measure A, which is scheduled to sunset in approximately ten years, provides almost 10% of VTA funding, or about $60 million annually. Participating in a regional bill with multiple other transit agencies may result in less direct control over revenue generated by Santa Clara County residents returning to VTA. Conversely, another local measure competing with a regional one risks voter confusion and might decrease support for additional taxes, especially given the current economic climate.

Last month, VTA held a work session on these issues and is scheduled to receive polling data and updated reports at the next board meeting. The goal is to make a decision for the November 2026 ballot.

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Source: San Jose Spotlight

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