The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced it was awarded $60.4 million from California to advance electric bus and light rail modernization projects.
The $60.4 million award is part of the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund that supports investments into transit to reduce emissions while expanding mobility options and improving service in disadvantaged communities.
“This investment from the State of California allows MTS to upgrade our transit network and make meaningful improvements for the communities that depend on us most,” Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “The projects funded will strengthen safety, reliability and sustainability. These funds help ensure that our riders benefit from clean, efficient and future-ready transportation for decades to come.”
The funding will go toward two projects – the Electrification of Kearny Mesa Division and the Orange Line Improvement Project.
MTS will use $12.1 million for Phase 1 of the Kearny Mesa Division project that will be a major step in the agency’s transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. Phase 1 includes constructing a new overhead charging system to support the first 30 battery-electric buses at the Kearny Mesa Division. Construction is expected to begin in June.
The agency will put $48.3 million toward Phase 2 of the Orange Line project which will deliver upgrades to the Orange Line corridor. Phase 2 focuses on enhancements from Massachusetts Station through El Cajon Transit Center and will include grade crossing safety enhancements, new universal interlocking crossovers, replacement of aging signal interfaces, and signal, track, and communications improvements.
“Public transit is a lifeline, and this investment in MTS reflects exactly that. These funds will mean more reliable service, cleaner vehicles, and better infrastructure for the San Diegans who depend on transit most to get to work, to school, to each other and home safely,” Clarissa Reyes Falcon, chair of the California Transportation Commission, said.