2026 Transit Funding FAQ: Saving Our Service & Securing Our Station

At SASA, we’ve spent years advocating for a BART infill station at 14th Avenue to bridge the gap in East Oakland. But for a new station to be possible, our regional transit system must first survive. This year, transit funding is at a crossroads.

SASA is proud to partner with the Connect the Bay coalition to place a citizen-led measure on the November 2026 ballot.

Here is what you need to know:

What is the "Connect the Bay" measure?

It is a 14-year, five-county funding initiative (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara) designed to provide a stable lifeline for the Bay Area’s transit agencies. It ensures that BART, AC Transit, and others can maintain—and eventually improve—the service our community relies on.

Why is this urgent for the San Antonio neighborhood?

While SASA has successfully advocated for a new infill station, that vision depends on a healthy BART system. Currently, transit agencies are facing a "fiscal cliff." Pandemic-era emergency funds have run out, and without a new revenue source, we face a "death spiral": massive service cuts, longer wait times, and plummeting ridership.

• If the system fails, our dream of San Antonio station fails with it.

I don’t ride BART or the bus. How does this help me?

• Gridlock Prevention: Nearly 1 million people ride Bay Area transit daily. Without them, those million trips would happen in cars, creating 24/7 gridlock on I-880 and our local streets.

  
  

• Equity & Climate: In San Antonio, many of our neighbors depend on transit for work, school, and healthcare. Robust transit is essential for the climate and for the autonomy of seniors, students, and low-income families.

  
  

How will the money be raised?

The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties (and a 1-cent tax in San Francisco). This dedicated funding is legally protected and sunsets after 14 years.

Why is this a "Citizen-Led" measure?

Under California law (authorized by SB 63), a measure placed on the ballot by the government requires a difficult 66.7% supermajority to pass. However, a citizen-led initiative—driven by signatures from people like you—only requires a simple majority (50% + 1). This is our most viable path to victory.

How can I help SASA and Connect the Bay?

We have a tight deadline. To qualify for the November ballot, we must collect over 200,000 verified signatures across the Bay Area by mid-May.

• Sign the petition: If a volunteer approaches you, your signature simply puts the choice in the hands of the voters.

• Volunteer: We need help gathering signatures right here in East Oakland! Find out more at https://connectbayarea.com/.