SFMTA OKs $1.2 billion budget to expand transit service

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) board on Wednesday approved an annual $1.2 billion operating budget for fiscal years 2019 and 2020 that includes funds for adding rail cars and launching the Central Subway.

The Central Subway, which is slated to launch service in 2019, involves extending the T Third Line route from the 4th Street Station in downtown San Francisco to Chinatown. The project includes four new stations along a new 1.7-mile alignment.

SFMTA will be able to expand other light-rail service by adding 68 new rail cars, agency officials said in a press release.

"The budget ... balances the transportation needs of a growing city," said SFMTA Chairman Cheryl Brinkman. "Not only does it expand Muni service, but it keeps it equitable, low-cost and accessible for people who depend on it every day."