The Effects of the BART Strike May Linger Long After it Ends

The acrimony caused by the second Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) worker strike of the year might jeopardize the revenue generating tax increases planned throughout the Bay Area.

1 minute read

October 21, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"BART and its unions have one thing in common - they both stand to lose a lot more over the long term than just the battles they're fighting with each other during this second strike of the year," write Phillip Matier And Andrew Ross. 

A plan by the transit agency to raise $3 billion for a new rail fleet and other improvements by raising sales or property taxes could be imperiled. As could Alameda County's plans to bring a new version of the transportation tax initiative that was narrowly defeated last year back to voters.

Matier and Rood also raise the prospect of voter backlash against labor unions, just as pension reform efforts gain steam.

UPDATE (10/22/2013): In The Examiner, Chris Roberts reports that the four-day strike ended today and service was expected to return to normal by Tuesday afternoon after getting off to a spotty start in the morning.  As for the sticking points in the work rules, he writes that “the two sides also came to terms on ‘innovation’ in the workplace, according to John Arantes, BART chapter president for Service Employees International Union Local 1021.” 

Thanks to Irvin Dawid for the update.

Saturday, October 19, 2013 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

May 2, 2025 - SD News

Close-up of carved United States Court House sign with eagle seal above a doorway.

Judge Halts New Conditions for HUD, Transportation Grants

The Trump administration attempted to impose new restrictions on federal grants aimed at eliminating DEI programs and aligning with the administration’s immigration policy.

15 minutes ago - The Hill

Electric vehicle charging station with white cars plugged in

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds

A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.