Voters in five Bay Area counties have approved a regional transit sales tax, providing a financial lifeline for public transport across the San Francisco region. The measure secured about 61 per cent of the vote, compared with 39 per cent opposed.
The Regional Transit Measure covers Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. It will fund public transport services operated by agencies including BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit. ([mtc.ca.gov](https://www.mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/authorities/public-transit-revenue-measure-district))
The tax will run for 14 years, adding half a cent to sales tax in four counties and one cent in San Francisco. It is expected to raise approximately $980 million (£770 million) a year. ([mtc.ca.gov](https://mtc.ca.gov/news/governor-signs-bill-authorizing-bay-area-voters-consider-2026-transit-measure))
Supporters argued the measure was needed to prevent severe service reductions as transport agencies faced growing financial pressures. BART, Muni, Caltrain and other operators had warned that rejecting the proposal could lead to cuts from 2027.
Under the approved plan, around 60 per cent of the revenue will help preserve services at the region’s largest transit operators, while additional funding will be directed towards local transport agencies and improvements for passengers. ([mtc.ca.gov](https://mtc.ca.gov/news/governor-signs-bill-authorizing-bay-area-voters-consider-2026-transit-measure))
