The evening before the January 24, 2024, hearing to finalize language for a regional transit funding measure, we got an unwelcome surprise. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s staff report on the measure, which aims to raise revenue to improve public transit and active transportation, added new language recommending funds be used to add freeway capacity as well.
Fortunately, TransForm and our allies were able to activate our lists, and with the help of our supporters and partners, turned out over 50 people to speak out in support of public transit, walking, and biking and in opposition to using any of the new funds for highway projects.
Here’s how it unfolded.
Funding new freeway lanes
TransForm, as part of the Voices for Public Transportation (VPT) coalition, has been working for over five years to advance a regional transportation measure that prioritizes transformative investment in transit operations, walking, and biking.
After working with MTC staff to build consensus throughout the Bay Area on the regional measure concept — including ensuring a focus on public transit operations — we found out in January that MTC was planning to include highway widening in its regional transportation measure concept. Knowing that this would undermine public transit investments, climate goals, and voter support for the measure, we sprang into action, working with partners to mobilize over 20 groups to sign onto a letter opposing highway widening.
However, on the eve of the final hearing to approve the measure concept on January 24th, MTC released a staff report that supported highway widening as long as they were managed lanes — lanes that are tolled or otherwise restricted in terms of vehicle occupancy, such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes or transit-only lanes.
A groundswell of public pressure
As soon as we saw the staff report, we mobilized. With less than an hour to go before the MTC meeting started, we emailed our supporters, asking them to attend the meeting on Zoom and speak out against using regional measure funds to add freeway capacity.
More than 50 people gave public comment on the measure, many more than usually attend MTC meetings. Almost every speaker asked the commission not to follow the suggestion of the staff report.
In the end, MTC approved the concept and vision for the regional transportation funding measure without the staff recommendation to support freeway widening. This was a major victory for advocates who have been working with the commission to craft the best possible language for the enabling legislation. VPT was instrumental in defeating this last-minute change.
The proposed measure aims to advance a climate-friendly Bay Area transportation system that is safe, accessible, and convenient for all. This includes preserving and enhancing public transit service; making transit faster, safer, and easier to use; repairing local streets and roads; and improving mobility and access for all people, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter and wheelchair users.
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A version of this post first ran on the TransForm blog.
