The Facts

BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit are receiving a $590 million loan to prevent significant service cuts until voters can weigh in on a permanent funding package in November 2026.

As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, BART could “close between 10 and 15 stations,” while Muni could “suspend cable cars,” shut down bus routes ”at 9pm,” and ”slash up to 20 routes” without new revenue.

Under the new law’s repayment terms, MTC repays the state over 12 years, with the first two years as interest-only quarterly payments. Even if voters pass a regional measure, MTC says proceeds wouldn’t flow until about July 1, 2027.

The Context

BART says it can’t “cut its way out” of structural deficits of roughly $350–$400 million per year without triggering a ridership death spiral.

The state is pulling funds from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to buy time while the region seeks stable operating revenue.

The GrowSF Take

A bridge loan is sensible way to keep transit running while we wait for voters to approve long-term funding.