Caltrans announced the awarding of $202 million to 143 local, clean transportation projects to prioritize public transit and electric vehicle options in California communities most affected by pollution. The projects are funded by California Climate Investment (CCI) through the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP), which has invested over $1.4 billion in carbon reduction projects over the past decade.
“Partnering with local transportation agencies, we’re building a thriving, more connected California by investing in projects that will improve outcomes for all roadway users and help the state achieve its ambitious climate goals,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. “These clean transportation projects will better serve communities most affected by air pollution, expand bus and rail service and support free or reduced fare programs and encourage fewer, shorter automobile trips.”
The CCI steers billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars towards strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. It is designed to reduce greenhouse gases from the largest emission sources in California, drive innovation and guide the state towards a clean energy economy.
LCTOP has funded 1,548 projects to help local transit agencies launch new or expanded transit services, purchase zero-emission fleet vehicles, build zero-emission infrastructure, and make public transportation more affordable.
Some of the projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding include:
Town of Truckee for the TART Fare Free Program. They will receive $126,594 so all riders on the Truckee TART Fixed Route and TART Connect microtransit will ride for free.
El Dorado Transit received two grants. $50,000 for free fares. El Dorado Transit will provide discounted monthly passes and daily max for all Local Fixed Route services; and/or free transportation on Commuter services for eligible CSUS and Folsom Lake College students. The other grant is $431,532 for the expansion of Sacramento
Commuter Service from five routes to eight. With the California “Return to Work Order,” El Dorado Transit is experiencing a heavy increase in ridership for the Sacramento Commuter Service.
County of Nevada – Nevada County Connects Low-Income Pass Fare Subsidy Program: $86,000 for a fare subsidy program designed to support and enhance mobility options for low-income persons.
City of San Francisco – Free Muni for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth: $18 million to operate the Free Muni program that reduces or eliminates Muni fares for regular service for seniors, people with disabilities and youth.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Metro A-Line Operations: $48.7 million for Operations of Metro’s A Line light rail. The expanded transit service serves 44 stations and runs seven days a week.
For a complete list, visit HERE.