April 16, 2018 – Joint Venture endorses Regional Measure 3, the nine-county Bay Area transportation improvement measure on the June 5 ballot.
Measure 3 would finance $4.5 billion in highway and transit enhancements through toll increases on the Bay Area’s seven state-owned bridges.
Major projects in the expenditure plan include expansion of BART’s rail car fleet, extension of BART to San Jose and Santa Clara, extension of Caltrain to downtown San Francisco, a number of highway improvements in the region and other upgrades to public transit systems and hubs.
If approved, tolls on the bridges would increase by $1 in January 2019, another $1 in January 2022 and again in January 2025. Because the ballot measure is a toll increase and not a tax, a simple majority across all nine counties is sufficient for passage.
As a nonpartisan public-private organization, Joint Venture does not routinely take positions on ballot measures or legislation. However, because Measure 3 holds true regional significance and addresses pressing challenges, the board voted unanimously to support it.
About Joint Venture Silicon Valley
Established in 1993, Joint Venture provides analysis and action on issues affecting the Silicon Valley economy and quality of life. The organization brings together established and emerging leaders—from business, government, academia, labor and the broader community—to spotlight issues, launch projects and work toward innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.jointventure.org.
