Proposed Sales Tax Could Mitigate Caltrain Cuts
OAKLAND (KCBS) - Some of the service cuts and fare increases proposed for Caltrain could be offset by a 1-cent sales tax and a renegotiated labor contract, according to officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
The proposals are part of a 2-year MTC plan to ease some of Caltrain's $30 million deficit, but fares will still go up and some service will have to go, said spokesman Randy Rentschler.
"It's not going to be the same," he said.
Rentschler pointed out that neighboring transit agencies like the Golden Gate bus and ferry system have seen 35 percent of its service cut in recent years.
KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:
"Caltrain has had a good, high level of service that's grown for many years," he said.
The proposal to be unveiled in April would preserve as much of that service as possible, Rentschler said, but riders will notice a difference.
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