BART approves service cuts plan during 'largest financial crisis in history'
BART approves service cuts plan during 'largest financial crisis in history'
BART directors voted to close between 10 and 15 stations.
CONCORD, Calif. - Leaders of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system voted to approve an alternative plan to cut service in an effort to save money as the agency faces what officials describe as the largest financial crisis in its history.
What we know:
The BART Board of Directors voted 8-1 on Thursday night on the new cost-cutting plan, which is set to begin in January. The plan could mean closing 10 to 15 stations, including the Concord station.
Under the revised proposal, station closures that were originally planned for January have been pushed back to next summer. The plan also includes more than a 60% reduction in train service, elimination of the Red and Green lines, and ending service at 9 p.m.
The changes would result in more than 1,000 layoffs, along with higher parking fees and increased train fares.
The measures are intended to help address BART’s massive operating deficit.
What they're saying:
"Responsible leadership requires us to plan for both paths ahead: a future where voters approve the ‘Connect Bay Area’ measure in November and the future where the measures fail, as we have to make the difficult decision to adjust BART’s service levels to the reality," BART's board president Melissa Hernandez said at the meeting.
BART rider Lorin Holmen said service cuts like losing the Concord BART station would be terrible for her.
"If I lost this station, I’d probably have to change jobs," Holmen said. "It would affect me drastically. I wouldn’t be able to make the commute every day. It’s already a long commute but BART makes it doable for me."
What's next:
Several November ballot measures could provide financial relief for the transit agency. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week a $590 million state bailout loan for transit agencies, which could include funding for BART, but that assistance is contingent on a ballot measure.
Even with the reduced service and other cuts, BART would still need an additional $150 million in revenue next year to prevent further reductions in 2028.