BART Board Confronts $375M Deficit With Borrowing, Deferrals and a Bet on Voters

The BART Board of Directors received a sobering preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027 that closes a $375 million structural deficit almost entirely through one-time measures — borrowing, deferred retirement contributions, and accounting shifts — all contingent on a regional sales tax ballot measure passing in November. Directors pushed back on the scale of borrowing, challenged the general manager to find $50 million in expense cuts, and debated how to balance fiscal discipline with the very service investments driving a ridership rebound.

• $375M budget gap papered over with $98M in borrowing and $42M in deferred retiree health payments as staff prepares FY27 spending plan ahead of a June 11 adoption vote
• Board Chair challenges GM to hit $50M in non-labor expense reductions, signaling directors want less reliance on debt before the final budget
• March ridership hits 20% above last year with fewest train delays in a decade, reaching nearly 230,000 riders in a single day
• Board unanimously backs three federal transit bills that could unlock billions for operations, TOD planning, and safety — as the White House proposes cutting existing transit funding
• Metal theft bill tabled after vice president cites recent criminal law expansions and ACLU opposition
• Illegal dumping enforcement bill passes 6-0-1, giving DMV authority to hold vehicle registrations for unpaid fines