Guest Commentary | At risk in state funding for public transit: Local jobs and future transportation network

By Corey Aldridge

During a bleak budget season, both at the state level and within Santa Cruz County, it’s easy to start comparing issues and weighing priorities. It’s therefore critical for policy makers to keep in mind that cuts in public transit funding risk good, local jobs as well.

That’s why we are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leadership to protect the $5.1 billion first allocated to California’s public transit agencies in the Budget Act of 2023, which included close to $35 million for Santa Cruz County alone. This funding is paramount to maintaining the important progress we’ve made thus far in building a future-ready transportation network.

At Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (Metro), we’ve worked tirelessly over the past few years to transform our transit landscape by creating jobs and improving operations, particularly in high-demand areas. Through the Reimagine Metro initiative, we’ve collaborated closely with residents, unions and community leaders to devise a network that prioritizes speed, frequency and reliability through simpler, more direct routes.

While initial budget discussions are promising, we can’t rest until the $5.1 billion is confirmed. Investing in public transit is a direct investment in local economies and the prosperity of Californians throughout the state. If the state were to allow funding cuts, we risk creating a disastrous “death spiral” that will negatively impact our ability to complete major infrastructure projects and further imperil the state’s budget as residents are left stranded by their transit systems and unable to get to work.

We can’t let this happen. In Santa Cruz, we’re expanding route frequency to ensure all our neighborhoods, particularly those that are underserved, are connected to employment and opportunities. By creating 98 new jobs — including 80 bus operators, eight transit supervisors, seven paratransit operators and three mechanics — we will inject more than $32 million into the local economy. And, the projected doubling of ridership — adding more than 1.5 million rides annually — will reduce vehicle miles traveled by nearly 10 million miles per year and cut CO2 emissions by 40,000 metric tons annually.

As a result, more than 100,000 residents will soon enjoy swift and dependable transit within a 10-minute walk, heralding a new era of livable, efficient public transport for the region.

It’s critical to maintain this progress.

Our community is already seeing the positive impact of these initiatives, both in terms of social equity, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. But, without state investments, we risk losing good union jobs and our progress toward sustainable transportation options for all residents.

We are committed to the work and helping California meet ambitious goals, but we need the governor and legislative leadership to uphold their end of the commitment too. As budget negotiations proceed, it is imperative to maintain support for public transit. Confirming the allocation of the critical $5.1 billion in state funding to public transit ensures that we can continue our progress toward the building of a robust and future-ready transportation network.

Corey Aldridge is the CEO of Santa Cruz Metro.