Caltrans awards $200 million to local transit agencies to promote public transit, electric options in California

Caltrans has announced the award of $202 million in funding to 143 local, clean transportation projects that are designed to prioritize public transit and electric vehicle options in California communities most affected by pollution. The projects are funded by California Climate Investment (CCI) through the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP). So far, the program has invested over $1.4 billion in carbon reduction projects over the past decade for the region.

“Partnering with local transportation agencies, we’re building a thriving, more connected California by investing in projects that will improve outcomes for all roadway users and help the state achieve its ambitious climate goals,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. “These clean transportation projects will better serve communities most affected by air pollution, expand bus and rail service and support free or reduced fare programs and encourage fewer, shorter automobile trips.”

The CCI directs billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars towards improving public health and the environment—specifically in disadvantaged communities. It is designed to reduce greenhouse gases from the largest emission sources in California, drive innovation and guide the state towards a clean energy economy.

To date, LCTOP has funded 1,548 projects to help transit agencies start new or expanded transit services, procure zero-emission fleet vehicles, build zero-emission infrastructure and make public transportation more affordable.

Projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding include:

• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Metro A-Line Operations: $48.7 million for operations of the agency’s A Line light rail. The expanded transit service serves 44 stations and runs seven days a week.
• Lake Transit Authority – 2025 Bus Stop Enhancement Project: $173,000 for the purchase and installation of nine bus stop shelters, benches and bike racks at locations in the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport and the unincorporated areas of Nice and Lucerne.
• County of Nevada – Nevada County Connects Low-Income Pass Fare Subsidy Program: $86,000 for a fare subsidy program designed to support and enhance mobility options for low-income persons.
• City of San Francisco – Free Muni for seniors, people with disabilities and youth: $18 million to operate the Free Muni program that reduces or eliminates Muni fares for regular service for seniors, people with disabilities and youth.
• Golden Empire Transit District (GET) – Constructing a Smart Grid System for five Electric Vehicles: $1.5 million to build an off-grid, behind the meter, 250-kilowatt smart grid system. This grid will allow GET to charge the five new electric vehicles.
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System – Battery Electric Bus Procurement: $8.5 million to procure up to 23, 40-foot battery-electric buses to replace compressed natural gas buses, which will have reached the end of their useful lifespan.