A public transit funding measure approved Thursday by the state senate would provide a needed boost for the cash-strapped San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, according to state Sen. Mark Leno’s office.
The measure, AB 8x 9, would fund public transit operations throughout the state, including $36 million for Muni, Leno’s office said.
Muni officials recently announced a $12.1 million deficit for the agency, prompting the board of directors to approve a 10-percent service cut.
“As the state continues to struggle with an unprecedented budget crisis, it is critical that we maintain support for local transit systems, which are also struggling in this economy,” Leno said in a prepared statement.
“Today’s vote helps avoid additional budget cuts to Muni, which would have exacerbated the funding crisis it faces,” Leno said.
The bill still needs to be signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
