The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced last week that $146 million would be issued to 180 local mass transit projects throughout the state, with the vast majority going to disadvantaged and low-income communities.
The funds are being pulled from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), and as such, will be used to benefit environmental efforts. In all, more than 160 of the selected projects will be categorized as disadvantaged — areas Caltrans says are most affected by climate change. All projects will target greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the convenience, capacity, and ridership of California’s buses and trains. Their end goal is to get fewer cars on the road.
These projects can be divided into several areas of interest, including projects that offer free or reduced fares, expand or create new transit services, purchase zero-emission vehicles or improve facilities with an eye on ridership.
Among those to benefit from free or reduced fares are the Orange County Transportation Authority, Stanislaus County Transit Agencies, and the City of Los Angeles. These fare reductions target students in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as seniors and disabled riders in Orange County. Stanislaus will be providing free or reduced fares on specific dates throughout the year. Orange County will get $1.6 million for its project, while Stanislaus gains $1 million and Los Angeles $1.1 million.