COVID-19 and the Revised SFMTA Budget
Due to changing economic conditions and worsening revenue projections related to COVID-19, the SFMTA is submitting a revised budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, including a proposal to keep Muni fares at current levels, except for the minor changes listed below. The revised budget relies on the significant use of one-time sources like development impact fees, federal one-time grants and all of the SFMTA’s current fund balance to maintain core services. While the budget is balanced for the next two years, it is not financially sustainable in the long run. San Francisco must explore new sustainable sources to fund transportation.
Funding transportation is critical: there is no economic recovery without strong public transportation.
Learn more about the Transportation Recovery Plan at SFMTA.com/TRP
The revised budget will be reviewed by the SFMTA Board at a special meeting on June 30th at 1p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to participate remotely. To ensure your comments and questions on the budget are received by the Board in advance of the meeting, please send an email to sfmtabudget@sfmta.com or call (415) 646-4470 by 5pm on Monday June 29th. Remote meeting access instructions are found at SFMTA.com/calendar.
Free language and American Sign Language assistance can be provided with at least 48 hours' notice. Contact Jonathan Streeter, Public Information Officer, at 415.646.2109 or jonathan.streeter@sfmta.com to confirm your request.
Budget Background: How we got here
Our budget process began in January 2020 under very different economic circumstances. We faced a structural budget deficit, but we were confident there was time to pursue new funding sources. Our proposed budget also included recommendations from the Muni Working Group to expand service in anticipation of the City’s future transit needs. COVID-19 changed everything.
As a result of the pandemic, most SFMTA sources of revenue, including fares, parking revenues, and citations have practically disappeared. Fare and parking revenue, which make up nearly half of our budget, are down 80-90%. We do not know when they will return to pre-emergency levels.
While we will aggressively pursue funding sources at the federal, state and local level, including funding as part the federal CARES Act, our budget reflects some tough choices. In order to balance the FY 2021-2022 budget and the budget this fiscal year, we have taken decisive, immediate actions to reduce our spending including:
- Reducing or eliminating all unscheduled overtime work;
- Reducing the purchasing of goods and services to just the immediately needed essentials; and
- Freezing nearly all vacant positions,
These cost control measures will buy us time, but we must seek new sustainable sources of funding.
Revised FY 2021-2022 Budget
Muni Fares:
The updated budget will keep Muni fares at current levels except for minor changes listed below. This includes maintaining all of our fare discount programs, including free Muni for low-to-moderate income youth, seniors, and people with disabilities.
In addition, the proposed budget would expand Free Muni to all individuals experiencing homelessness who are certified by the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.
The following is the complete list of proposed fare changes:
1) Extend the one-day Muni pass to the farebox
2) Eliminate the discount for Passports purchased on Clipper
- Most are purchased in-person at the sales kiosk and not “electronically pre-paid” as the discount was intended for
3) Extend the bulk pre-purchase discount to all fare items and creating three tiers ranging from 10% to 20% discounts based on volume purchased, and
4) Free Muni for individuals experiencing homelessness who are certified by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH).
If approved, all fare proposals would be effective on November 1, 2020.
Free Muni for all youth is no longer included in the budget. This program was going to be funded through modest fare increases on Clipper discounts and Monthly Passes, which will no longer be implemented.
More information on all of our discount programs can be found at SFMTA.com/fares
Fines, Fees and Rates
All other fines, fees, rates and charges remain unchanged from what was previously approved by the SFMTA Board on April 21, 2020 but with a proposed operative date of January 4, 2021 with the following exceptions:
Effective July 1, 2020
(1) Parking meter rates including rates for special events, Sunday and evening parking enforcement, and demand responsive parking meter caps
(2) SFMTA and Parking Authority garage rates and fees
(3) Taxi permit fee waiver
Effective August 1, 2020
(4) vehicle boot removal fee
(5) vehicle towing, towing subcontract, lien, auction, and storage fees
(6) community service plan processing fees
Public Outreach and Engagement
To help members of the public understand the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, in February 2020 we began inviting all interested parties to participate as we set out our Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022. With both virtual and in-person meetings, we provided multiple opportunities for everyone to learn more about what we do and to understand the tough choices that a large city like San Francisco faces.
Throughout the budget-setting process, meeting dates have been provided on this website and in public notices.
Initial Proposed Fare and Service Changes (March 2020)
Proposed Fines and Fees (March 2020)
Public Meetings
Board of Directors Meetings
City Hall, Room 400
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Online Budget Conversation with Jeff Tumlin
Thursday, April 2, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Online Budget Open House
Thursday, March 19th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
How We Have Used Your Feedback
All incoming public feedback via the live-stream meeting, open house meetings and emails was sorted and analyzed. The information has been incorporated into the operating and capital budget documents and transmitted to the SFMTA Board as required by the City Charter. The SFMTA Board of Directors reviewed the proposed operating and capital budget in public hearings on March 17th and April 7th. The budget was initially voted on by the SFMTA Board of Directors on April 21st. Since that date, SFMTA has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis by re-examining the proposed budget, and as a result, will be reviewing needed changes on June 30, 2020.
Contact Information
Email: sfmtabudget@sfmta.com
U.S. Mail: SFMTA Board of Directors, One South Van Ness Avenue, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
يمكن تقديم مساعدة مجانية في اللغة المحكيّة ولغة الإشارة الأميركية، عند طلبها قبل 48 ساعة على الأقل. لتأكيد طلبك، يرجى الاتصال بجوناثان ستريتر، مسؤول التواصل، على الرقم 415.646.2019 .