5/20/2025: Governor proposes cuts to public transit! Our state reps MUST push back
Urgent news: Governor Newsom proposes slashing multi-billions of dollars to public transit. Join this Thursday webinar to understand the proposed cuts and how we push back.
Already, too many Californians struggle to reliably and affordably get where they need to go because our transit systems have been underfunded for years. At the same time, communities that currently have quality transit service are on the brink of experiencing major cuts due financial problems coming out of the pandemic and reduced support from the federal government.
Which is why earlier this year, several State Senators and Assemblymembers wrote to the Governor urging him to INVEST $2 billion into transit throughout the state as part of the budget this year to help fund our communities.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget does worse than ignoring the plea for help, his budget proposes:
Slashing nearly $700 million of existing transit funding that transit advocates won in 2023 to keep transit running
Slashing transit funding from the state’s “Cap and Trade” program, which has generated $4 billion per year for transit service, transit infrastructure projects, and building affordable housing near mass transit.
Slashing $200 million for the state's active transportation program, despite roughly 4,000 Californians being killed and over a quarter of a million injured from car crashes each year.
Meanwhile – highway funding keeps chugging along. The state highway system gets billions of dollars from the federal government that the Governor could redirect toward transit and safety projects if he wanted to. If the governor’s proposal is put into action, this would mean longer waits for the bus, routes getting cut, more people left stranded, more pedestrian injuries and deaths, more cars clogging our roads, dirtier air, and a shrinking economy.
But the state budget isn’t set yet, NOW it is up to the legislature to defend public and active transportation.
Tune in to the webinar and Q&A with California transit advocates and policy experts to learn:
What the Governor's proposed budget means for your community
What happens next in the budget process? How could the budget get changed between now and when it is finalized? What's the timeline?
What's happening with the State of California's transit funding sources like the "Cap and Trade" program?
What we can all do to push back to save transit in California!
Banners Over Freeways Across the State Tell Newsom To Fund Transit (Streetsblog Cal)
Last Tuesday, transit advocates across California unfurled freeway overpass banners in 12 cities urging Governor Newsom to fund public transit.
“It is great to see transit supporters all around this large state raising up the need to keep transit running and demanding that Governor Newsom lead,” said Adina Levin, Executive Director, Seamless Bay Area. “California's cost of living is among the highest in the country; transportation is the second highest household cost. Keeping transit running is essential for California's cost of living and for keeping to our climate goals.”
May 21st, 6:00-7:00pm – Webinar: What can the US learn from Italy's “Long Modernization” of Railways?
American rail improvements in recent decades have focused on delivering large infrastructure mega-projects rather than service. The result has been large cost overruns, long delays, and services that don't connect people to their destinations. What are some other ways to structure American public transport investment?
Join this conversation with Dr. Marco Chitti, fellow at NYU Marron Institute and Transit Costs Project, who will speak on Italy's “Long Modernization” – an incremental railway modernization process spanning over a century through planning and steady, programmatic funding.
California has ambitious goals like the 2024 State Rail Plan. Could incremental modernization like Italy be a better path to delivering rail service for riders? What lessons can American rail project delivery learn from Italy?
This event is co-hosted by us and Californians for Electric Rail.
Electric bikes and electric scooters are fantastic ways to get around your city and the Bay Area! These active mobility options are more affordable than cars, are sustainable and climate friendly, and a fun way to explore the area.
Join us at Lytton Plaza in Palo Alto on May 21st, 2025 from 5-7pm to check out display e-scooters and e-bikes. Several local organizations will be on-hand to discuss everything and anything you want to know about e-scooters and e-bikes and how they can revolutionize how you get around.
This event is hosted by us in partnership with the Palo Alto Transportation Management Association and the City of Palo Alto Utilities.
May 28th, 10:00-11:00am – Kiku Crossing TDM Tour (San Mateo)
Learn how residents at Kiku Crossing, an affordable housing development, reach their destinations using affordable, sustainable, and efficient transportation options, such as walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling, while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution at this Kiku Crossing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Tour!
This tour will include:
A conversation with the Resident Services Coordinator about BayPass and how residents are benefitting from unlimited transit access with the popular all-agency transit pass pilot program
A look inside the secure resident bike room
A walkthrough of the 5th Avenue Garage, including public, shared, and private parking areas
Whether you're a renter, homeowner, or housing advocate, this tour will show how affordable housing can support healthier, more sustainable ways to get around.
This event is co-hosted by MidPen Housing, One San Mateo, Palo Alto Forward, YIMBY Action, Peninsula for Everyone, and Menlo Together.
Recent from our Blog
Notes from Korea: How Bus Reforms and Fare Integration Transformed Seoul’s Transit
In 2004, Seoul introduced transformative reforms including reorganizing its bus network, overhauling operator incentives, and introducing a unified, distance-based fare structure for buses and the metro. These boosted ridership and revenue by over 10% and ushered in a long-term “virtuous cycle” of rising investment and ridership that continues today.
Governor’s “May Revise” budget proposal cuts public transit; up to legislature to push back
Disappointing budget news for transit riders came on Wednesday, May 14 when Governor Newsom proposed slashing funds for transportation service and infrastructure in his updated "May Revise” state budget. The state budget must be negotiated between the governor and the legislature, and it is now in the legislature’s hands to defend and improve support for public transit and active transportation. Read on - and sign up for a webinar to learn more about what’s going on and how you can take action to save transit in the state budget.