Supporters of a proposed $20 billion bond measure to fund Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system upgrades face a June 26 deadline to submit 186,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. The "Keep BART Running" initiative aims to address a looming fiscal cliff and fund critical maintenance, safety, and modernization projects for the aging transit system.
Campaign organizers are employing a variety of tactics to gather signatures, including paid signature gatherers and public outreach events. The effort has drawn attention for its creative fundraising, including a "Hunky Jesus" themed event in San Francisco's Dolores Park, which historically raises funds for local non-profits and has been leveraged for the BART campaign.
The bond's proponents argue the funding is essential to prevent severe service cuts and fare hikes, citing BART's post-pandemic ridership recovery and structural budget deficits. If approved by voters, the measure would authorize the largest bond in BART's history, with funds earmarked for new train cars, station improvements, and seismic safety upgrades.
Opponents, including some taxpayer groups, criticize the measure's cost and question the efficiency of the transit agency. The signature drive's success remains uncertain, as organizers must verify a high volume of signatures in a short timeframe to meet the state's requirements for ballot qualification.
