BART running out of emergency funding, facing potential shut down
BART believes the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic 'decimated' transit ridership. After the pandemic, remote work has become a norm for many. According to BART, prior to the pandemic money from passenger fares and parking fees covered nearly 70% of the cost to run BART service and now only 25% of operating costs are covered by fares.
The Bay Area has the highest work-from-home rates in the nation, according to BART.
Oakland man jumps over gate of Macarthur BART, causing delays
At the beginning of the pandemic, BART received nearly $2 billion in federal, state and regional emergency assistance to keep trains running. However, the funding is set to run out by spring 2026.
BART listed the potential consequences of its fiscal cliff:
60-minute train frequencies
9 p.m. closures
Station closures
Line shutdowns
No weekend service
Mass layoffs
Increased traffic congestion
Negative impact on state climate goals
Priority populations disproportionately impacted
No BART service altogether
The transit company is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and other stakeholders to tackle the financial challenges. BART said a regional tax measure will likely be on the November 2026 ballot.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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