SFMTA faces $307 million deficit threatening 20 Muni transit routes | The Locally Times
The agency reports a $307 million budget deficit for fiscal years 2026-2028, with potential service cuts to 20 routes and evening transit.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) faces a $307 million budget deficit, a figure projected to reach $430 million by 2030. The SFMTA Board of Directors approved a two-year budget on April 21, 2026, to cover the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 fiscal years, but the agency reports that this measure does not close the long-term funding gap. ## Budget Impact Budget planning documents released June 13, 2026, show the agency must replace expiring pandemic-era funding. The current $1.5 billion operational budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the $1.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027-2028 rely on temporary measures. Without additional revenue, the agency plans to eliminate up to 20 Muni routes, including neighborhood, hilltop, and downtown express lines. The agency documentation indicates that routes with nearby alternative service are the primary candidates for elimination. ## Service Reductions Beyond route eliminations, the agency proposes doubling wait times for Metro, Rapid, and frequent routes. The SFMTA also plans to reduce evening service, defined as the window between 9 p.m. and midnight, by up to 60%. These changes would increase wait times for a rider currently catching a 9:30 p.m. bus to roughly 20 minutes if the current 10-minute frequency is cut by 60% and service intervals are doubled. ## and Special Event Service Budget planning documents list potential service reductions for the city’s three cable car lines and the F Market & Wharves streetcar line. The agency also warns that service levels for events at Oracle Park, Chase Center, and Golden Gate Park could be reduced. This includes transit for Giants, Warriors, and Valkyries games, as well as Fleet Week and concerts. The agency may also cut existing fare discount programs to reduce the $307 million deficit. ## Financial Outlook The SFMTA budget planning materials state that internal cost savings are insufficient to cover the projected $430 million deficit by 2030. The SFMTA Board of Directors has not identified the legislative path to secure the necessary funding as of June 13, 2026. The records do not specify which revenue measures the agency plans to pursue. ## Key Questions **Which 20 Muni routes are slated for elimination?** The SFMTA budget planning documents identify that up to 20 routes are at risk, but the agency has not released a specific list of the affected route numbers. **When will these service cuts take effect?** The agency warns that service changes are planned to begin in the 2027-2028 fiscal year if adequate funding is not secured. **How will evening transit service change?** Proposed budget measures include a reduction of evening service between 9 p.m. and midnight by up to 60%, alongside doubled wait times for Metro and Rapid routes.