West Bay Legislators support Caltrain ballot measure
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The letter urges Caltrain and its member agencies to place a measure on the November 2020 ballot to secure a dedicated funding source, vital for Caltrain's survival amid ongoing COVID-19 challenges. It emphasizes the critical need for investment to modernize Caltrain's services, as well as the importance of identifying governance reforms for long-term resiliency. The signatories express their support and readiness to assist in this effort.
West Bay Legislators support Caltrain ballot measure
- 1. July 13, 2020 San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine, Chair Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board of Directors 1250 San Carlos Avenue San Carlos, CA 94070 Dear Chair Pine: Thank you for your efforts to help the Caltrain commuter rail system navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impacts of the pandemic on public transportation are likely to continue for a prolonged period of time. We recognize that Caltrain is particularly vulnerable because, unlike other Bay Area transit agencies, it does not have a dedicated source of revenue. The survival of Caltrain is critical to the region’s recovery from the pandemic and to our long-term need for safe, reliable, equitable, congestion-reducing transit alternatives. We urge Caltrain and its member agencies to take the actions needed to place a measure on the November 2020 ballot that will finally provide Caltrain with a dedicated funding source to help it endure this crisis, and eventually expand service to accommodate regional growth. We were troubled to learn that the allocation of Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds will not be sufficient to cover Caltrain’s operating needs, even in the near-term, and that the slow return of ridership could force the system to shut down entirely unless a dedicated source of funding is secured. In 2017, we worked to pass SB 797 (Hill), which allows Caltrain to place a 1/8-cent sales tax on the ballot as long as it is authorized by the transportation agencies and boards of supervisors in the three counties that Caltrain serves. We have reviewed recent polling showing that this measure is politically viable in 2020. Last year, the Caltrain Board directed staff to evaluate moving forward with this measure. It is clearly needed now more than ever before. Last year, the Caltrain Board also approved a 2040 Service Vision that would transform Caltrain into a modernized, frequent mass-transit system that carries nearly 180,000 riders, almost three times the current ridership. The implementation of this vision starts with the operation of 8-train- per hour expanded electrified service that will put the equivalent of two additional freeway lanes of traffic on Caltrain instead of our local streets and roads. This cannot be accomplished unless significant new local investment in the system is secured.
- 2. A 1/8-cent sales tax would generate enough revenue to make this service a reality. It would also relieve Caltrain’s member agencies from their obligation to cover the system’s annual operating shortfalls, providing millions of dollars in new revenues to support Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) transit services at a time when these systems will need it most. We understand that the Caltrain Board has also made significant progress to evaluate the current management and governance structure. Ultimately, given the size, complexity, and unique structure of the Caltrain system, it is critical for the long-term resiliency of the system that Caltrain eventually become an agency with its own staff — potentially independent of the San Mateo County Transit District — that can focus and specialize solely on the needs of our regional rail commuters. The continued evaluation of reforms that would achieve this should be prioritized. However, given the urgency of this catastrophic funding shortfall, this necessary reform need not be an explicit condition for the desperate need to put a Caltrain dedicated funding measure on the ballot this year. We look forward to continuing to work with Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transit District on this governance reform. Again, we thank you for all you are doing to position the system to make it through this current crisis and to continue Caltrain’s long track record of successfully serving our communities. If we can offer any help to advance this incredibly important effort, please let us know. Sincerely, Kevin Mullin Jerry Hill Scott Wiener Speaker Pro Tempore Senator Senator 22nd District 13th District 8th District Jim Beall Marc Berman David Chiu Senator Assemblymember Assemblymember 15th District 24th District 17th District Kansen Chu Ash Kalra Assemblymember Assemblymember 25th District 27th District Evan Low Phil Ting Assemblymember Assemblymember 28th District 19th District
- 3. cc: San Francisco Mayor London Breed San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo San Francisco City and County Board of Supervisors San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency Board of Directors