California Today

BART Rescue Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

26 May 2026 10:26

A sales tax measure to provide a financial lifeline for BART and other Bay Area transit agencies has qualified for the November ballot after collecting over 305,000 signatures. - Connect Bay Area needed 186,000 signatures by June 3 but turned in 305,000.

- Transit workers and volunteers gathered 77,000 signatures, nearly triple expectations. - The measure would provide an estimated $310 million for BART and requires majority approval across five counties.

- Polling in November 2025 showed 56% approval, with no significant opposition campaign. The measure also mandates independent financial efficiency reviews for transit agencies, with potential fund withholding for noncompliance.

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