Caltrans approves nearly $ 82 million for 134 projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve transportation – Streetsblog California

Yesterday Caltrans announced nearly $ 82 million in funding under the Low Carbon Transit Operations (LCTOP) program for 134 local public transport projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase options transportation by providing a new and expanded bus and train service to disadvantaged and low-income communities.

“The climate crisis is disproportionately affecting low-income households and communities of color,” Caltrans director Toks Omishakin said in a statement. “This investment will help reduce the environmental impacts of transportation and connect communities, especially those that face economic barriers to transportation options. “

LCTOP is funded by the cap-and-trade program of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The cap-and-trade program is one of many programs developed under AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 implemented to combat climate change. It is designed to reduce greenhouse gases from California’s largest emission sources, to spur innovation, and to steer the state toward saving clean energy.

Some of the projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding include (to see a full list, click here):

• 31 projects offering free or reduced fares to encourage lifelong transit riders, including young riders, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities:
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency: $ 7.44 million for free bus and train service for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Counties of San Joaquin and Stanislas: $ 1.54 million for three projects to extend free or reduced fares for users in disadvantaged communities.
  • Orange County Transportation Authority: $ 4.09 million for two projects providing free and discounted fares for Orange Coast College students and low-income Orange County residents.
  • North coast transport agencies: including the city of Arcata and Mendocino Plumas, and the counties of Siskiyou: $ 22,830 for four projects offering free rates to low-income residents, youth and students.
• 31 projects offering a new and expanded public transport service for better access to jobs and educational sites, as well as the expansion of public transport options that serve priority populations:
  • Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority: $ 21 million to pilot a fare-free system for low-income riders and K-12 students, and a new transit service on the soon to be opened Crenshaw / LAX light rail line.
  • Sacramento Regional Transit District: $ 1.9 million to increase the frequency of the service to 30 minutes and expand the connectivity of the service for university students in the city.
  • Shasta Regional Transport Agency: $ 183,165 for two service expansion projects on demand and on weekdays.
• 22 projects to purchase zero-emission vehicles and associated equipment / infrastructure:
  • San Diego Metro Transit System: $ 3.44 million for the continued purchase of zero-emission electric buses.
  • Fresno County Rural Transportation Agency: $ 215,761 for the purchase of an electric bus.
  • San Mateo County Transit District: $ 1.04 million to help purchase 15 zero-emission buses to replace diesel-electric hybrids.
• 16 projects for the purchase, construction or installation of infrastructure, equipment or facilities to support the zero-emission vehicle (s):
  • Solano County Public Transportation: $ 504,171 for the modernization of its operation and maintenance facilities to allow the simultaneous recharging of 10 zero-emission buses.
  • Sunline public transport agency: $ 567,065 to extend a solar micro-grid that will provide renewable energy for its hydrogen transport fleet.
  • North County Transit District: $ 1.24 million for the construction of a hydrogen refueling station.