BART sues local transit agency for extension funds

San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) announced that it will file suit to collect millions of dollars in payments owed by the San Mateo Transit District (SamTrans) for operating costs of a BART rail extension into San Mateo County. The suit is also intended to ensure SamTrans' payment for service in the future.

According to wire reports, BART officials have said that SamTrans is failing to meet financial obligations and has given written notice that they don't intend to pay any money in the future.

In a letter from SamTrans sent to BART in January of this year, the agency said that as of July 1, 2004, “San Mateo County Transit District will be unable to remit continued subsidies for the San Francisco Airport Extension."

“We take this action reluctantly,” said BART President James Fang in a statement. “But given SamTrans’ actions, it is our duty to protect core service for riders and taxpayers of BART and to do what we can to preserve service in San Mateo County.”

BART’s lawsuit comes on the heels of several missed payments by SamTrans, totaling $11 million.