California has enjoyed several years of budget surpluses, but this January, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state had a $22.5 billion budget deficit. During the May budget revision, Newsom announced that this deficit has grown to almost $32 billion. With the governor hesitant to cut services and unable to increase spending, public transit has suffered. Municipal train and bus services, such as the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, or AC Transit, are struggling to recover from the lasting impacts of low ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic and face major financial shortfalls without government assistance. 📸: Clarissa Arceo ✍️: Ratul Mangal . . . #dailycal #berkeley #ucberkeley #actransit