Bay Area leaders propose sales tax to support transportation

Bay Area leaders are proposing a new sales tax measure to help save public transit services like BART and Muni. Their plan will be presented to voters in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties next year. State Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin are backing the measure. They warn that if nothing is done, the area could face significant cuts to transit services. They believe public transportation is essential for helping people get to work, school, and medical appointments. Currently, BART is reporting a balanced budget, but officials say this will change. They estimate that in a year and a half, BART could face a budget deficit of between $300,000 and $400,000. To avoid this situation, the senators want to ask voters for financial support. The proposed sales tax could raise millions of dollars needed to maintain services for BART and Muni. Leaders stress that without strong public transit, the recovery of San Francisco and the Bay Area as a whole will be difficult. However, some residents express concern about the timing of this tax. Many are worried about rising living costs and are unsure if they want to pay more taxes. One BART rider, Sandra Collins, said she is undecided about how to vote on the measure. She stressed that while she relies on the transit system, she doubts whether a tax increase is necessary.