BART to S.F.: Got $1 Billion to Spare?

Will San Francisco pay up?

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

What happens when a city’s population outgrows its public transit system? In San Francisco, BART planners are suggesting the city pay up — up to $1 billion.

The Bay Area’s growth has already resulted in crowding of temperamental trains. With the population expected to grow to 9.3 million by 2040, according to the San Francisco Examiner, the regional transit agency is asking the city for $1 billion to renew the transit system. BART also identified $4.5 billion in capital investment needs for the coming decades.

The funding would reportedly expand a train repair yard and buy over 300 additional cars for The Fleet of the Future, the quieter and more comfortable cars set to come to BART in 2017. The funds would also boost existing BART stations and seek to modernize the train-control system, which has been in use since the 1970s.

“None of these funding needs take into account a second tube running from the East Bay to San Francisco, which would be a $7 million to $12 million investment,” the Examiner reported.

BART Board Director Nick Josefowitz suggested San Francisco carry a bigger financial burden, as BART currently funds itself 80 percent from capital budget and the rest from sales tax.

If the city turns the agency down, perhaps someone can start a campaign like the Boston crowdfunding effort looking to raise billions for the MBTA. For those keeping track, 22 days in, Bostonians have raised $1,585.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Marielle Mondon is an editor and freelance journalist in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia City Paper, Wild Magazine, and PolicyMic. She previously reported on communities in Northern Manhattan while earning an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University.

Follow Marielle .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tags: public transportationsan franciscotransit agencies

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1096 other sustainers such as:

  • Anonymous in Grand Rapids, MI at $10/Month
  • Mike in Roseville, CA at $10.00/Month
  • Davis at $10/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×