Title
Report regarding City of South San Francisco reimbursement to the County of San Mateo for the cost of installation of new fare gates at the South San Francisco BART Station (Sharon Ranals, City Manager)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council, by motion, authorize the City Manager to negotiate an MOU with the County of San Mateo to reimburse the County for any costs not covered by grant funding for the installation of 12 new fare gates at the South San Francisco BART Station.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on Friday, March 28. The Board approved bridge funding of $10,321,678 for the purchase and installation of new fare gates at the five BART stations in San Mateo County, including 12 gates at the South San Francisco BART station. The new state-of-the-art gates are designed to prevent people from entering and exiting stations without paying fares. Fare evaders not only significantly reduce much needed revenue for BART but also contribute to crime and vandalism within and in the vicinity of the stations, including in South San Francisco. Having the new gates will be beneficial to South San Francisco residents by enhancing public safety.
As noted above, BART’s Next Generation Fare Gate project includes system-wide replacement of the fare gates in all the BART stations located in San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties. The total project cost is approximately $90 million. San Francisco provides funding to BART through Measure AA, and the other counties provide funding to BART through Measure RR. Cities in San Mateo County are being asked to participate in the installation of the new gates because San Mateo County does not contribute funding to BART.
The San Mateo County Transportation Agency administers the Measure W Regional Transit Connection Program (RTC) Grant, which could cover all or a significant portion of the project costs for San Mateo County. BART has agreed to apply for this grant, with awards announced in July/August 2025. There is a timing issue in which BART needs to proceed with the project to secure lower pricing prior to the announcement of the grant application outcome. If the grant, or the full amount of the grant, is not awarded, the cities with BART stations are being asked to reimburse the County for the cost of installing the new fare gates in their respective cities. South San Francisco’s prorated share of the full cost is $1,510,490.
Conditions agreed to by BART include that the agency will maintain the upgraded security gates after installation; BART will collaborate with the affected cities to strategize increased BART police presence, enhanced maintenance at the stations, and expanded retail operations. If reimbursement to the County is necessary, the County has agreed to negotiate with each city that payments may be made over time, as opposed to one lump sum payment.
In approving the County to provide bridge funding, the Board of Supervisors stipulated the following:
1. BART agrees to apply for the grant discussed above; if received, the grant will cover all or a portion of the costs, relieving the County and the relevant cities of the burden.
2. The Board’s resolution is contingent on the County executing five signed MOUs from each of the five cities that host BART stations (Daly City, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Colma, and Millbrae), guaranteeing reimbursement to the County if necessary.
3. BART will provide “transit ambassadors” alongside BART Police for fare enforcement and security.
FUNDING
The financial impact of this proposal will depend on future events. It could range from zero if the RTC grant is awarded up to $1,510,490 if no grant funding is received. As noted above, if reimbursement is required, the City will work with the County to negotiate as part of the MOU a payment plan spread over several years.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Installation of the more secure BART gates supports the City’s Strategic Plan to improve Quality of Life by enhancing safety in the community and improving maintenance and security at the South San Francisco BART Station.
CONCLUSION
BART provides essential public transportation services to residents throughout the Bay Area. South San Francisco is fortunate to have a BART station located in the City as it increases access to public transportation for residents, employers, and visitors, and enhances economic vitality. By offering alternatives to automobile transportation, BART reduces traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting BART in this initiative is a public good which ultimately benefits the community. It is important and justified that South San Francisco partner with neighboring affected cities, the County of San Mateo, and BART to accomplish this necessary transportation system improvement.
If the City Council approves this item, staff will negotiate with the County and agendize consideration of an MOU at a future meeting.
Attachments:
1. San Mateo County Staff Report, Fare Gates in San Mateo County BART Stations, March 31, 2025