The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently awarded 149 clean transportation projects $206 million in California Climate Investment funds in Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP) grants.
Funding will be used to reduce pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities.
LCTOP, funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction fund, is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program to allocate cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment, and strengthen the economy.
“Caltrans is investing in transit services and infrastructure improvements to enhance and increase travel options in local, disadvantaged communities and help combat climate change,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “The program exemplifies our commitment to ensuring a transportation network that respects the environment and serves all Californians.”
Awardees include:
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority received $51.3 million for Metro’s E Line light rail service.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency received $18 million for Free Muni, a program that reduces or eliminates Muni fares for seniors, people with disabilities and youth.
The Orange County Transportation Authority received $10.3 million to purchase 40 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.
LCTOP has provided more than $1 billion over the last decade to fund more than 1,400 projects, approximately 96 percent in disadvantaged and low-income communities.