A Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report reveals BART faces a $375 million structural deficit starting in FY2027 due to post-pandemic ridership decline and governance issues. - Ridership dropped from 128 million to 59 million annual trips.
- Fares now cover only 25% of operating costs, down from 66% pre-pandemic. - Cost-cutting measures address only 11% of the deficit.
- Governance concerns include lack of audit independence and unimplemented recommendations. The report warns that strong oversight is needed as BART confronts its most significant financial challenges.