Introduction to Regional Proposition RTM (2026)
Proposition RTM (the Regional Transit Measure) is a local ballot initiative in five San Francisco Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara). It establishes a 14-year sales tax (0.5% in four counties and 1.0% in San Francisco) to generate roughly $1 billion annually. This revenue is dedicated to stabilizing and upgrading regional public transit systems—such as BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit—by averting major service cuts, preserving transit operations, and improving route safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.
Why an Anti-Poverty Coalition Supports Prop RTM
As an organization dedicated to eliminating poverty, the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition generally opposes regressive taxation, such as local sales taxes. Because sales taxes take a disproportionately higher percentage of income from low-income families compared to affluent households, relying on them to fund public services generally runs counter to economic justice.
However, Proposition RTM presents an exceptional, moral crossroads where the urgency of transit equity far outweighs the drawback of a sales tax increase.
We support Proposition RTM for these reasons:
- Ensuring Equitable Mobility & Access: Reliable, affordable public transportation is a vital lifeline for low-income workers, seniors, students, and families who rely on transit to reach jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and essential services. Preventing service reductions protects mobility for those without private vehicles.
- Preventing Economic Hardship: Severe transit cuts force low-income residents onto expensive, car-dependent alternatives, exacerbating household financial stress and deepening economic inequality.
- Connecting Communities: Investing in regional transit maintains vital social and economic ties across communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations remain connected to essential opportunities and networks of support.
While a flat sales tax is imperfect, steep cuts to public transit would throw low-income residents into severe financial strain, job loss, or expensive car debt—inflicting far greater poverty than the small tax burden itself. Supporting Prop RTM is a pragmatically necessary act of justice: choosing to protect the essential lifelines of marginalized neighbors, preserving their access to daily economic opportunities, and upholding their human dignity.
Multi-Faith Teachings on Supporting Those in Need
Different faith traditions offer powerful moral imperatives that align with supporting affordable housing and anti-poverty initiatives. Here are scripture quotes and traditional teachings that articulate housing, shelter, and caring for the vulnerable as an urgent moral calling:
Judaism & Christianity:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9
(Teaches a duty to support essential public infrastructure that protects vulnerable members of society.)
Islam
“God commands justice and fair dealing…”
— Surah An-Nahl (16:90)
(Underscores the moral imperative to support public policies that foster equity and basic access for everyone.)
Buddhism
“However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?”
— Dhammapada (Buddha’s Teaching)
(Emphasizes that moral values must translate into practical civic action that relieves hardship.)
Interfaith Reflection
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Reflects the shared faith perspective that public infrastructure and shared community resources are crucial for collective well-being.)
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