California Revives $750M Loan to Save Bay Area Transit

The state approved a $750 million loan as a stopgap measure to fund regional transit agencies until a 2026 ballot measure that could bring more permanent funding.

1 minute read

September 14, 2025, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Blurred red Muni train passing by platform at underground station in San Francisco.

A Muni train in San Francisco, California. | Lowe Llaguno / Shutterstock

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state finalized a $750 million loan to Bay Area transit agencies before the end of the legislative session on Friday, reports Thomas Hughes for KTVU.

The deal was in jeopardy after the Department of Finance delayed negotiations last week. “BART, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit and Caltrain were all banking on the money after a budget agreement in June indicated the money would be made available in time to hold off impending cuts.” A regional ballot measure planned for November 2026 could secure more permanent funding. 

In a statement, Governor Newsom said, “We'll keep partnering with them now and into next year -- aligning flexible financing tools to their timelines -- so we can deliver a sustainable, rider-first transit system together.”

Thursday, September 11, 2025 in KTVU

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

3 hours ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

4 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.