BART officials are warning of significant service cuts and potential station closures if a proposed local sales tax measure fails in the upcoming November ballot. Without the measure, the transit agency may close up to 15 stations and lay off around 1,200 employees by 2027 due to a projected $376 million budget deficit resulting from a steep decline in ridership since the pandemic. Current passenger numbers remain over 50% lower than pre-pandemic levels, largely owing to remote work trends.
If voters do not approve the tax increase, BART plans to close 10 stations in January 2027, restrict operating hours, and possibly close an additional five stations later that year. Key stations at risk include Orinda and the Oakland International Airport connection. BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost highlighted that while some riders are returning, many only commute a few days a week, impacting revenue.
Some critics, including former BART board president Deborah Allen, argue against the tax measure, blaming past mismanagement for BART’s financial issues and labeling the warning of cuts as a scare tactic. In contrast, frequent rider Steven Valadez emphasizes the dire consequences station closures would have on his commuting options, expressing support for the tax increase to prevent disruptions. Transportation officials warn that these closures could exacerbate congestion on Bay Area highways.
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