Caltrans has announced the allocation of $202 million to support 143 clean transportation projects across California. The funding aims to increase mobility and reduce pollution in communities most affected by air quality issues. These projects are supported by the California Climate Investment (CCI) through the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP), which has provided over $1.4 billion for carbon reduction initiatives in the past ten years.
“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 program directs Cap-and-Invest funds toward economic development, public health improvements, and environmental benefits, especially targeting disadvantaged areas. Its goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from major sources in California while encouraging innovation and advancing a clean energy economy.
Since its inception, LCTOP has funded more than 1,500 projects that help transit agencies introduce or expand services, acquire zero-emission vehicles, build supporting infrastructure, and make public transit more accessible.
Some of the new grants include $48.7 million for operations on Los Angeles Metro’s A Line light rail; $173,000 for Lake Transit Authority to enhance bus stops with shelters and bike racks; $86,000 for Nevada County’s low-income fare subsidy program; $18 million to continue San Francisco’s Free Muni program for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth; $1.5 million for Golden Empire Transit District to construct a solar-powered smart grid system for electric vehicle charging; and $8.5 million for San Diego Metropolitan Transit System to buy up to 23 battery electric buses as replacements for older compressed natural gas models.
A comprehensive list of awarded projects is available on the FY 24-25 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Award List (PDF). More details about California’s ongoing transportation investments can be found at build.ca.gov.
