Opinion: Tax Silicon Valley Big Tech to rescue BART and other Bay Area transit
Briefly

Bay Area transit agencies are grappling with annual deficits approaching $800 million. A proposed sales tax under Senate Bill 63 aims to raise $550 million yearly but would unfairly burden low-income residents. Instead, a designated tax on profitable Silicon Valley companies could be a more equitable solution. Despite generating significant profits, these corporations contribute little back to the local community, worsening infrastructure problems. Moreover, BART’s mismanagement of its own budget contributes to the financial crisis, highlighting the need for internal reforms alongside new funding sources.
Bay Area transit agencies face annual deficits nearing $800 million, leading to calls for increased revenue through a proposed sales tax, which may disproportionately impact lower-income residents.
Silicon Valley tech giants generated about $340 billion in profits in 2024, yet have contributed minimally to the infrastructure needs of Bay Area communities, exacerbating transportation issues.
Read at The Mercury News
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