The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will distribute $146 million from its Low Carbon Transit Operations Program to 180 local mass transit projects around the state.
The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program — funded through auction proceeds from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Cap-and-Trade Program — provides capital assistance for transit projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities and households throughout California.
The awarded projects help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars by increasing the convenience, capacity, and ridership of buses and trains around the state. The projects reduce or even eliminate fares in some cases, create or expand services, increase the use of zero-emission technology, and improve facilities. About 160 of the projects – totaling $142 million — will benefit disadvantaged communities.
“Our current transportation system is congested and impacts the health of our communities and our planet,” Bob Franzoia, acting director of Caltrans, said. “This funding gets people out of their cars by providing newer and cleaner ways to travel.”
Among the recipients, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will receive $1.6 million for providing free or reduced fares for senior, disabled, and youth riders. Also, the City of Los Angeles received $1.12 million for offering free fare on buses for K-12 students and Los Angeles Community College students.
Also, Sacramento Regional Transit District got $3.5 million to expand light-rail services for South Sacramento, Sunrise to Folsom, and expanded service to and from downtown Sacramento. Also, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority got $36.6 million to expand service on the Expo and Gold Lines.
Further, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System got $6.2 million for procuring 11 zero-emission buses – including nine electric buses and two hydrogen buses – and 12 depot chargers.