Considering growth all over the Bay + increasing congestion, we need more support and funding for regional rail. I support a Caltrain dedicated revenue source & 1/8 cent regional sales tax. Around the world, cities and regions are doubling down on trains, and for good reason.

I also support my colleague Supervisor Walton and his fight for an independent Caltrain, not run directly under Samtrans, and more shared decision making across the three counties. He’s absolutely fighting for the right thing there.

This is an issue he’s championed, it’s also a position that has been shared by many other officials in San Francisco and the state, across the political spectrum. Most ppl I’ve spoken to said Santa Clara’s concerns equally strong on governance issues, and SC not yet taken action.

I have thousands of people in my district who rely on #Caltrain. SF residents have already invested billions in the infrastructure & operations connected to Caltrain. The Salesforce Transit Center, downtown extension, electrification, all require a sustainable and funded Caltrain

We NEED Caltrain, it’s not optional. Ensuring Caltrain survives this crisis and implementing the service improvements allowing for us to triple Caltrain ridership, getting countless cars off the road, are essential.

I’d prefer if this was not a regressive tax, but this is the tool that Caltrain has been given by the state. There isn’t another option on table. And considering the choices, i would support it. This tax has a positive impact on MTA finances & Muni, which is desperately needed.

The consequences of climate change, congestion, pollution, are regressive and weigh heaviest on the poorest communities. Public transit is progressive. Without Caltrain, the impact on congestion in downtown SF, which I represent in part, would be devastating.

Caltrain must also increase equity programs for low income riders. Service focused on equity & subsidizing riders requires other sources of revenue. Equity services and programs should be tied directly to this potential new source of revenue, I and others will insist on that.

Caltrain leadership hasn't handled this well. There should've been more progress on governance. They hastily decided to move the tax, w no outreach to other Sups until this week, then attack SF on Twitter. This isn’t how to build consensus for a measure of this scope & importance

Still, I believe SF, Santa Clara, San Mateo voters deserve the opportunity to vote. To pass, it still takes 2/3rds of voters. At the least, this regional Caltrain measure deserves a hearing, public input, & vote by the SF BoS, and I’m working w everyone to try to make it happen.

This was a highly flawed, rushed process with a lot of people involved. If I would have known this needed and didn't have a sponsor to introduce previously, I would have planned to introduce this week for discussion at Board. I and most other Sups didn't learn about it until Tues

We also need federal and state assistance, especially from the federal government. But we can't rely solely on that. It's highly uncertain. And Caltrain needs a long term dedicated revenue source in addition to immediate assistance to ensure service continues thru this crisis.

We need improved, coordinated regional cooperation & governance. We need to work better together, w/o finger pointing or name calling. Let's hope this is learning experience. I have appreciated the recent candid conversations w my counterparts in SC and SM, we need more of that.

The Caltrain revenue measure also will save MTA about $8 million annually, which can lead directly to increased investments in Muni, restoring critical bus lines that are slated to be cut. That's a very good thing.

It's true Caltrain used by many people who work in tech, which I think, is good. It's good to have folks out of cars, in public transit. And not everyone who works in tech is rich, not all who ride Caltrain in tech, obvi. Many service workers rely on Caltrain, ppl of all incomes.

With SF being so expensive, many people who work in SF live on the peninsula, including low and middle income people. This is increasing. Some rely on Caltrain to get into the city, or otherwise will have to have a car and drive. They should have reliable, affordable rail.

I am engaging w my colleagues & counterparts on important governance questions. Still, this measure should receive a hearing, discussion, public input, & vote at the BoS, and hopefully by voters. I believe this is what my constituents want, and what's best for our city, region.