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NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJuly 17, 2026California

BART Ridership Hits Post-Pandemic High as Agency Faces Budget Challenges

BART ridership reached its highest level since the start of the pandemic in June, driven by major events and a shift toward non-commute travel. Despite this growth, the agency continues to face a budget deficit and is looking to a proposed regional sales tax measure on the November ballot to secure long-term funding.

transportationpublic transitbudgetelectionsBART
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Why It Matters

BART is increasing train capacity to 10-car lengths during peak hours, while voters in five Bay Area counties will decide in November whether to approve a new sales tax to address the agency's ongoing budget deficit.

Key Facts

  • BART ridership in June increased by 18.6% compared to the same period last year.
  • The 2025-2026 fiscal year saw a 13% increase in ridership compared to the previous year.
  • Current ridership levels are approximately 56% of 2019 levels.
  • BART is reintroducing 10-car trains during peak commute hours to increase capacity.
  • The Connect Bay Area Act will appear on the November ballot in five counties.
  • The proposed measure would implement a regional sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
  • BART reports that fare revenue is currently insufficient to sustain regular operations following the depletion of pandemic-era federal emergency funds.

Who's Mentioned

personChris Filippi“BART spokesperson commenting on ridership trends and service changes.”locationSan Francisco“County where the proposed sales tax would apply.”locationAlameda“County where the proposed sales tax would apply.”organizationBART“Bay Area Rapid Transit agency reporting ridership data and budget status.”locationSan Mateo“County where the proposed sales tax would apply.”locationSanta Clara“County where the proposed sales tax would apply.”locationContra Costa“County where the proposed sales tax would apply.”other2026 FIFA World Cup“Major sporting event cited as a driver for increased ridership.”