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Politics & Government

South San Francisco Would Lose Weekend Caltrain Service Under Proposed Budget Fix

The proposed schedule for the next fiscal year calls for maintaining weekday service but eliminating weekend trains in South San Francisco.

South San Francisco’s Caltrain stop would remain open during the week under a proposed budget going before the rail agency’s board of directors on Thursday.

Caltrain had proposed , including South San Francisco's, to offset a $30 million budget gap next fiscal year.

But under a financial deal that relies on increased contributions from Caltrain’s partners, South San Francisco would only lose weekend service.

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“It’s great news that we have survived the chopping block,” said Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto. “While some of the services might be cut, at least our station will be operating. Once you shut down a station, it’s hard to reopen.”

The proposed 76-train schedule would eliminate weekday service at Bayshore, Hayward Park and Capitol stations.

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Eleven stations would lose weekend service, including South San Francisco, Belmont and San Carlos.

South San Francisco riders would have the option of using nearby stations in San Bruno and Millbrae.

Caltrain initially proposed a 48-train schedule that cut all but weekday commute trains at its most popular stations.

“It is a major improvement, something I think our riders can live with,” said Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn. “It’s not perfect. It still offers some really good service options for people.”

Caltrain’s improved budget is the result of increased contributions from the San Mateo County Transit District, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Dunn said.

The Valley Transportation Authority is going to pay SamTrans $5 million for the initial purchase of the Caltrain right of way and SamTrans is giving that money to Caltrain, she said.

All together, the agencies are expected to provide Caltrain an additional $25.3 million next fiscal year, Dunn said.

Add in savings from the service reductions and $2 million in increased revenue from a 25 cent fare increase and higher parking fees, and Caltrain’s largest ever deficit is fixed, albeit temporarily.

The commuter rail service still doesn’t have a dedicated source of funding.

“This is just a short-term solution,” Dunn said. “We are still working to find a long-term solution.”

Caltrain’s board is scheduled to authorize the schedule and fare changes at its meeting Thursday.

If the proposal is approved, the partner agencies will also have to ratify the deal.

Matsumoto, who is chairwoman of SamTrans, said she didn't know enough about the financial deal to comment yet.

The new service schedule would begin July 2.

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