Thousands of people use Muni to get around San Francisco. It is an essential part of the city’s transportation system.
Lawmakers in Sacramento want to make sure public transit keeps rolling.
Led by State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) and Assembly Member Mark González (D-Los Angeles), legislators are asking the state for $2 Billion to support transit across California. The lawmakers are requesting the flexible funding over two years, beginning in FY 2025-2026.
“Public transit is the backbone of our state’s economy,” Arreguín and González said in letters asking for the budget allocation. “Unfortunately, transit agencies statewide continue to face severe financial challenges.”
This money would help agencies, including the SFMTA, fill budget gaps as we develop long term revenue solutions. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also has sent a letter to Sacramento strongly supporting the request.
“San Francisco needs public transit to thrive,” Mayor Lurie said.
Meanwhile, we are part of a coalition of more than 60 organizations, including transit operators, business groups, unions and others that is urging the state to provide this funding.
Transportation funding in San Francisco
Our severe budget shortfall at the SFMTA is no secret. The pandemic reduced tax revenue and grant funding, as well as revenue generated from parking fees and transit fares. Meanwhile, the costs of running our system have continued to rise.
We have been working to close a $50 million budget gap that is expected to begin on July 1, 2025. By July 2026, that shortfall will reach $320 million because our current state and federal relief funding will have run out.
Money from the state will help sustain us while we work to solve this fiscal crisis. We have partnered with the San Francisco Controller’s Office to convene the Muni Funding Working Group. The group is studying ways to close the shortfall and will issue a set of recommendations to address our financial needs long term.
Warriors fans fill a T Third train in front of Chase Center.
How transit makes our city functional and successful
Public transit is part of our way of life in San Francisco, and it is important to everyone. Hundreds of thousands of people use Muni to get to work, school and medical appointments. People also take Muni to other destinations all over town, including:
- Restaurants and shops
- Museums and parks
- The theatre, concerts and sporting events
If all those riders had to rely on private vehicles, the city would be choked with traffic congestion. So, public transit also benefits people who drive. Muni makes it easier for San Franciscans to support the city’s small businesses, nightlife and culture. Without it, many of these businesses and institutions would suffer.
San Francisco has set a goal of building 82,000 new housing units by the year 2031. However, the city and its roads are not getting any bigger. So, public transit will be essential to helping the thousands of people living in all that new housing move around. Strong transit systems also are necessary to help the state meet its climate goals.
Upcoming events highlight the need for transit
Super Bowl LX will be played at Levi’s Stadium in February 2026. A few months later, international soccer comes to Levi’s Stadium as part of the World Cup tournament. Los Angeles also will host World Cup soccer play, as well as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Millions of visitors are expected to pour into the state for these events.
We rise to the occasion when large events happen in San Francisco. For example, we increased bus and rail service for the recent NBA All-Star Weekend and San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. From Friday through Sunday, Feb. 14 – 16, 2025:
- We provided more than 1.2 million passenger trips on Muni
- The Muni Metro had its busiest weekend since before the pandemic
We adapt to meet demand when ridership increases during special events. Our parking control officers also step up to direct traffic through crowded streets. That includes people driving, walking, biking and rolling. The state funding requested by Arreguín and González will support this and all our work.
What’s next
The next Muni Funding Working Group meeting is on March 21, 2025. It will be held at 1455 Market Street in San Francisco. An agenda and a link to an internet stream will be posted on the Muni Funding Working Group meeting webpage closer to the date.
Move California is encouraging Californians to write to their legislators and ask them to support transit. The group is a coalition of transit riders and advocates.
Without healthy public transit, the quality of life in cities like San Francisco will decline. Investing in transit now will serve us all today and well into the future.
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