Caltrans reaffirmed its commitment to transit services statewide when it announced it had established a new Deputy Director for Transit and Rail Programs, and restored the Division of Mass Transportation.
The department also released its first Director’s Policy on Transit report to support coordinated and efficient transit and rail services along the California State Highway System.
“Caltrans is taking great strides in making our transportation network safer and more efficient by prioritizing transit to improve mobility for Californians of all ages and abilities.,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said. “These critical steps will help California achieve its progressive climate, health, equity, and environmental goals while fostering socially and economically vibrant, thriving, and resilient communities.”
The Director’s policy outlines the department’s vision of providing transit priority projects and enhancing the department’s vision of transit development across the state. The report focused on transit priority facilities, like dedicated bus lanes, signal priority and other infrastructure, that will make road-based transit service faster and more reliable on the state’s highways. Officials said the changes will help reduce travel times, improve safety and make transit a more attractive option.
As part of the department’s vision, Caltrans said it had established the Deputy Director for Transit and Rail Programs; a role dedicated to overseeing transit and rail programs and accelerating the delivery of projects to make public transportation more efficient and accessible. The Division of Mass Transportation will work closely with partners to integrate transit into the state’s transportation system and support initiatives to make public transportation more convenient and sustainable, officials said.