The Los Angeles Post

California Invests Over $2 Billion to Enhance Public Transit

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Key Highlights:

  • California is directing more than $2.2 billion to support public transportation across the state.
  • This funding is part of a $5.1 billion transit recovery package included in last year’s state budget.
  • The latest approval adds $343 million to the already disbursed $1.9 billion.

SACRAMENTO – California is making significant investments in public transit, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing the approval of an additional $343 million to bolster public transportation systems throughout the state. This funding, approved by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), is the second phase of a broader transit recovery package included in the 2023-24 state budget. This follows an initial wave of $1.9 billion in funding announced last month.

Governor Newsom’s commitment to enhancing public transit is a central element of his agenda to accelerate infrastructure development across California. This initiative aims to provide critical upgrades to the state’s transit systems, ensuring they remain clean, safe, and reliable for the millions of Californians who rely on them daily. Information on local projects can be found at build.ca.gov.

Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s support for transit agencies, stating, “Our message to California’s transit agencies is clear: we have your backs. California is committed to investing billions of dollars in public transit because millions rely on this clean, safe, and reliable way to get to their destinations.”

Key Funding Allocations:

  • San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG): Allocated nearly $45 million, SJCOG is using all of its first-year funding to maintain current service levels across the region.
  • Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC): Receiving more than $16 million, SCCRTC is investing in new transit priority infrastructure and service restoration, targeting high-ridership corridors and expanding service by an estimated 252,000 hours.
  • El Dorado County Transportation Commission (EDCTC): With over $10 million, EDCTC plans to purchase zero-emission vehicles and launch a new micro-transit service.
  • Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG): Investing nearly $4 million, SBCOG will construct a central transit hub, redevelop a bus storage yard, and purchase six zero-emission buses. They also plan to restore pre-pandemic service levels and introduce a new express bus service pilot.

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin underscored the importance of this funding, stating, “This critical funding demonstrates California’s continued commitment to public transit. Every dollar represents ongoing advancement of a more sustainable and equitable transit system for all Californians. The targeted result of this funding is improved mobility for all, and we are grateful for the people-focused actions of Governor Newsom and our legislative leaders supporting transit in our state.”

The transit recovery package also includes accountability measures designed to stabilize and adapt transit systems to better meet public needs. As part of these efforts, CalSTA has established the Transit Transformation Task Force to develop policy recommendations aimed at increasing ridership, improving the transit experience, and addressing long-term operational challenges.

This significant investment reflects California’s dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable transit future, ensuring that public transportation remains a viable option for all residents across the state.