Caltraincould be the next transit system in theSan Francisco Bay Area to experience significant service cutsif it cannot secure additional funding through a potential taxpayer referendum.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint PowersBoard of Directors released a plan on April 2 outlining what service could potentially be cut ifBay Area voters do not approve a 2026 ballot measure,which would create a 14-year regional transportation sales tax that is expected to generate millions annually to support and improvetheBay Area Rapid Transitagency and other local transit systems.
The measure will go before votersin Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara countieson November's ballot.
Like BART, Caltrain is facing an operating cost shortfall. This has left Caltrain with what the company says is a projected "average annual deficit of approximately $75 million" from fiscal years 2027 to 2041 after the transit system experienced a sharp drop in ridership due to the pandemic.
Although Caltrain says it saw an increase in ridership by "47% in 2025," it is struggling to meet its operational costs to maintain its new electric infrastructure and "state-of-the-art fleet."
"Caltrain is delivering more frequent, faster, and more reliable service for riders up and down the Peninsula," said Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard in a press release.
"But, as discussed in today's meeting, we are facing a structural funding challenge that cannot be solved through cuts or efficiencies alone. Without a stable, long-term funding solution, we will be forced to make difficult decisions that would significantly reduce service and impact the communities that rely on Caltrain every day."
Among the potential service cuts, the Caltrain board was presented with the option of closing more than one-third of stations; eliminating all weekend service; reducing train frequency to once an hour; ending service by 9 p.m.; and cutting segments of service.
The potential cuts would not take effect until 2027, initially beginning with the elimination of weekend services and a reduction in train frequency. If Caltrain continues to face funding shortages, it will then evaluate the need for cutting long-term services by closing stations.
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Currently, Caltrain has 31 stations that serve areas between the San Francisco Peninsula and the Santa Clara Valley. The train can reliably take travelers on a 79-mile trip from Oracle Park in San Francisco to Gilroy, California.
Earlier this year,California Gov. Gavin Newsom authorized a $590 million loanto help address a budgetary shortfall that BART would be responsible for repaying over 12 years. However, this funding was strictly for the BART system and did not provide any assistance to Caltrain and other regional transit services.
Caltrain has attempted to implement cost-cutting measures to reduce its overhead costs by pausing new hires, improving crew efficiency, and reducing professional services and other non-labor expenses.
The agency is also attempting to raise funds through other sources that aren't operating costs, such as advertising and naming rights, and by monetizing its real estate.
"The public has made it clear that frequent, reliable service was exactly what they needed to get back on board," said Caltrain Board Chair Rico E. Medina in a press release.
"We are gaining riders and getting people where they need to go, every day. But the reality is that the service that has been such a success will be in jeopardy if our funding picture does not improve this year."
More:BART commuters see fare increases in 2026 as budgetary shortfall looms
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him atnpadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Caltrain could close one-third of stations if it can't find funding