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San Mateo County officials gathered Monday morning at the San Mateo Caltrain station to rally support for a regional transit funding measure aimed at stabilizing Bay Area transit systems facing post-pandemic budget shortfalls.
The press conference focused on Senate Bill 63, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener and Sen. Jesse Arreguín, which would allow a 2026 regional ballot measure to fund public transit operations and rider-focused improvements. The measure would include San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, with San Mateo and Santa Clara counties given the option to opt in.
“Reliable public transit is critical for South County, as it is for the rest of San Mateo County and the Bay Area,” said Redwood City Council member Chris Sturken. “In Redwood City, people depend on Caltrain, SamTrans, and regional connections like BART to get to work, school, and essential services.”
Corzo said joining the regional transit measure would not only help San Mateo County secure funding, but also give the county a voice in shaping a transit system that reflects local needs and priorities.
“Investing in San Mateo County’s public transit is about protecting essential services and making sure our residents, especially those who depend on transit the most, aren’t left behind,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
“The future of the oldest and greenest commuter rail line west of the Mississippi is at stake,” said Board of Supervisors President David Canepa. “This is a 163-year investment in the making that is the clear future of public transportation in Silicon Valley. Caltrain needs a regional rescue plan to keep it on track.”
“Students in our district depend on public transit every day to access education, jobs, after-school activities, and summer programs,” said Sequoia Union High School District Board Vice President Amy Koo. “Without reliable public transit, more guardians have to drive them, creating traffic bottlenecks. Strengthening our regional transit system means investing in their future.”
South San Francisco Council member James Coleman emceed the event and also included remarks from South San Francisco Mayor Eddie Flores, SEIU 1021 BART Chapter Vice President Ray Fields, Foster City Councilmember Phoebe Shin Venkat, San Mateo Deputy Mayor Adam Loraine, and Daly City Councilmember Juslyn Manalo.
County leaders urged decision-makers to opt San Mateo County into the measure, which they said is essential to preserving and improving transit service for the region.
