According to its latest budget update, SFMTA is facing a staggering shortfall of $68 million this fiscal year and $168 million in fiscal 2022. It may have to lay off large numbers of workers in addition to cost-saving measures it has already enacted, such as a hiring freeze on about 1,000 open jobs and deep service cuts. Earlier this year, Muni slashed 40 of its 68 bus lines, and the SFMTA cautioned that it may only be able to operate 35% of its pre-pandemic service.