California invests $202 million expanding clean transportation, Bay Area projects get dollars

Caltrans this week announced awarding $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.

Among the Bay Area projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding include:

• City of San Francisco: Free Muni for seniors, people with disabilities, and youth. $18.4 million. This program is available to San Francisco residents aged 65 and above, whose gross annual family income is at or below 100% of the Bay Area Median Income. San Francisco residents with disabilities and a gross annual family income at or below 100% of the Bay Area median income can participate in this program. This program eliminates Muni fares for regular service for all individuals aged 18 and younger.
• Metropolitan Transportation Commission: Next Generation Clipper Operations. $13 million. Next Generation Clipper Operations covers support of account-based back-office operations for open payment capability, Clipper START, RTC (Regional Transit Connection), and enhanced Transit Fare payment platforms.
• BART: BART-to-Antioch Operating Funds. $10.8 million. Funds for the operation of BART-to-Antioch Extension. It is the newest rail system in the Bay Area that connects to BART's Pittsburg/Bay Point station using state-of-the art diesel multiple unit vehicles to Antioch.
• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority: Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension SVBX (BART to San Jose). $7.8 million. This new rail extends service from the existing BART rail system at the Warm Spring/South Fremont Station to the new stations in Santa Clara County at Milpitas Station in the City of Milpitas and Berryessa Station in the City of San Jose. Funds the operation of SVBX.
• Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District: MV Mendocino Replacement Project. $2.9 million. This project will support purchasing a replacement vessel to replace one of the district's four high-speed catamarans with a Tier IV diesel engine powered vessel equipped with diesel particulate filters. 

A full list of projects can be found at FY 24-25 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Award List (PDF).