Monterey-Salinas Transit won a $22.2 million construction grant to support its SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit project, the agency said Monday.
The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be used to build a six-mile dedicated busway as part of a 20-mile planned route connecting Monterey to Salinas.
“By investing in bus rapid transit projects across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is increasing access to sustainable, reliable transportation that connects more people to all that’s important in their lives,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “The funding we’re announcing today for California’s SURF! Line will continue this good work and will allow residents, workers, and students from Monterey to Salinas to get where they need to go faster.”
At a total project cost of $100.5 million, the grant funding for the project comes from the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program.
The SURF! Dedicated busway will run parallel to California Highway 1. SURF! Riders will be able to avoid sections of heavy traffic along Highway 1, saving them up to 15 minutes in travel time. The project will also include new stops for Marina, Sand City and Seaside, including a new multimodal mobility hub in the former Fort Ord redevelopment area, as well as bicycle and pedestrian access improvements, and transit signal priority along part of the route.
“The SURF! Busway and BRT line isn’t just about faster service, it’s about creating better access to jobs, schools, and healthcare for the people who need it most,” FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “This is an important step to help make the region more affordable and open up economic opportunity for all.”