Public Transit is Facing An Uncertain Financial Future
Like many public transit agencies across the Bay Area, WestCAT faces a growing funding gap. Without sustainable, long-term funding by December 2026, WestCAT will have no choice but to reduce service levels beginning in mid 2027. WestCAT still plans to roll out the proposed routing changes approved by the Board as part of the recently completed Comprehensive Operational Analysis – WestCAT Evolution . However, we may need to reduce operating costs through targeted service changes, including eliminating some routes and reducing service frequency on others.
WestCAT is currently operating at a deficit because sales tax revenue, a major source of operating funding, has not kept pace with inflation and rising costs. In addition, we are no longer receiving operating support from BART for providing access to the BART system for our residents, this funding was a significant portion of our operating budget for the last 30 years. To maintain the current level of service, WestCAT has been using financial reserves to cover the difference. This approach is not sustainable: the system currently costs more to operate than it receives in ongoing revenue. WestCAT is therefore developing a roadmap to reduce operating costs if additional funding does not become available.
WestCAT is preparing a plan to reduce operating costs if additional funding is not secured. The WestCAT Board has not approved any service reductions, but as part of the recent Comprehensive Operations Analysis – WestCAT Evolution they have approved some streamlined route changes which will be rolled out regardless of any financial limitations on service levels, but we may need to also:
- Reduce the number of WestCAT trips connecting riders to BART
- Reduce the number of direct trips to and from San Francisco
- End service earlier in the evening
- Reduce weekend service
- Adjust senior and ADA paratransit service levels
What do these changes do to help with the budget deficit?
Fuel costs have increased by over 40%, parts by 15%, and the cost of keeping transit on the road is rising WestCAT is committed to maintaining a core level of transit service serving local and commute needs while reducing operating expenses by approximately $4 million, resulting in an approximately 25% systemwide reduction in service.
WestCAT is committed to preserving bus service.
Public transit is essential to the communities we serve, connecting people to work, school, healthcare, shopping, and other destinations not only throughout Western Contra Costa County but also to vital regional connections via BART and service to San Francisco. While reducing service is not a choice we’d like to make, it may be necessary given the current financial uncertainties. Our goal is to always keep the system as convenient and reliable as possible for the greatest number of riders while still ensuring essential service in communities that depend on transit.
We will provide additional information here as it becomes available in the coming months. Thank you for your support.