rail

BART Board Approves $2.03B Budget With $18M in Cuts Ahead of Funding Vote

The Bay Area Rapid Transit Board adopted its fiscal 2027 budget on June 11, comprising $1.2 billion in operating expenses and $828 million in capital spending. The agency faces a $375 million structural deficit as pandemic relief funds expire. To address this gap, the board approved cost reduction measures including $7 million in departmental efficiencies and the elimination of 63 full-time operating positions, saving $11 million in labor costs. The adopted budget assumes passage of a regional transit funding measure expected on November ballots, which would generate $74 million in new revenue. BART also plans $5 million in borrowing to bridge funding gaps. Board President Melissa Hernandez characterized the plan as a "leaner budget" designed to protect service levels. Recent ridership growth, operational improvements, and enhanced cash management have contributed nearly $25 million in additional revenue, offsetting some pressures.