MTA secures BART funding for paratransit services in San Francisco
December 07, 2022 | San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on a key resolution regarding paratransit services. The primary agenda item was a resolution retroactively authorizing the Director of Transportation to execute a new cost-sharing agreement between the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). This agreement aims to ensure that BART reimburses the SFMTA for providing paratransit services within San Francisco for the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, with options for automatic renewal extending the agreement up to a maximum of ten years.
Annette Williams, the Director of Accessible Services at SFMTA, presented the resolution, emphasizing that BART is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide paratransit services within three-quarters of a mile of its stations. BART currently contributes approximately 8% of the SFMTA's annual paratransit costs, a crucial funding source since a cost-sharing agreement has been in place since 1994.
During the discussion, Supervisor Chan inquired about the neighborhoods covered by the paratransit agreement. Williams clarified that the entire city of San Francisco, along with parts of Northern San Mateo County, is included in the service area, ensuring that all paratransit-eligible residents have access to these services.
Further inquiries from Supervisor Safai focused on the reimbursement rates and the historical context of the cost-sharing agreement, which had not been updated since its expiration in 2020. Williams confirmed that while the costs have increased, BART's share remains consistent at 8% of the total paratransit costs.
Public comments were invited, with one speaker expressing support for the resolution and suggesting the inclusion of a clause referencing the recent MTA board action. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to forward the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of the ongoing partnership between SFMTA and BART in providing essential paratransit services to San Francisco residents, particularly those with disabilities. The resolution's approval will ensure continued funding and support for these vital services.
Annette Williams, the Director of Accessible Services at SFMTA, presented the resolution, emphasizing that BART is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide paratransit services within three-quarters of a mile of its stations. BART currently contributes approximately 8% of the SFMTA's annual paratransit costs, a crucial funding source since a cost-sharing agreement has been in place since 1994.
During the discussion, Supervisor Chan inquired about the neighborhoods covered by the paratransit agreement. Williams clarified that the entire city of San Francisco, along with parts of Northern San Mateo County, is included in the service area, ensuring that all paratransit-eligible residents have access to these services.
Further inquiries from Supervisor Safai focused on the reimbursement rates and the historical context of the cost-sharing agreement, which had not been updated since its expiration in 2020. Williams confirmed that while the costs have increased, BART's share remains consistent at 8% of the total paratransit costs.
Public comments were invited, with one speaker expressing support for the resolution and suggesting the inclusion of a clause referencing the recent MTA board action. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to forward the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of the ongoing partnership between SFMTA and BART in providing essential paratransit services to San Francisco residents, particularly those with disabilities. The resolution's approval will ensure continued funding and support for these vital services.
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