Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said the recently signed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which included federal funds for transportation systems nationwide, would aid California transit.
“The coronavirus relief legislation recently passed by Congress includes $3.7 billion in federal funding for transit systems in cities and on Indian reservations throughout California,” she said. “As Californians stay at home to prevent coronavirus transmission, transit systems are suffering massive losses of revenue, but they must continue running to help doctors, nurses, grocery store employees and other essential workers get to their jobs.”
Feinstein said the funds would help public transportation systems stay open despite low ridership. The measure calls for an additional $95 million to be earmarked for transportation programs in rural areas of California.
“Providing robust public transportation options is a key part of California’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and I stand ready to help support those efforts wherever possible,” Feinstein said.
Per the allotment, 59 cities will receive funding, along with nine Indian reservations. The CARES Act provides $25 billion to transit agencies to help to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The total available amount for each program is based on funding appropriated under the Act.