Riverside County Transit Operators Receive $7.5 Million in State Funding

Student programs, lower fares, and improved service are just some of the benefits made possible thanks to a funding boost of $7.5 million as part of California's Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). During its June 12 meeting, the Commission approved RCTC's allocation of $6.4 million in LCTOP funding to eligible Riverside County transit operators. An additional $1 million in LCTOP funding is being provided directly to transit operators from the state, for a total funding amount of $7.5 million.

California's LCTOP program, developed to provide operating and capital assistance for transit agencies, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. The LCTOP program supports a variety of initiatives, including new or expanded bus or passenger rail services, expansion of intermodal (multiple modes of transportation) transit facilities, equipment acquisition, and more, with each project reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These funds have been allocated toward a variety of approved transit programs, such as Metrolink's popular Student Adventure Pass Program, which allows any student with a valid student ID to travel anywhere on the Metrolink system free of charge. The program also helps fund Riverside Transit Agency's (RTA) 25 Cent Fare Program - offering customers rides anywhere RTA buses go for just a quarter. In the Coachella Valley, transit riders will also benefit as a portion of program funds will go toward SunLine Transit Agency's free fare days.

LCTOP helps fund Metrolink's Student Adventure Pass Program, RTA's 25 Cent Fare Promotion, and SunLine's Countywide Free Fare Days

This round of LCTOP funding not only helps provide discounted fares for students, seniors, veterans, and riders with disabilities, the program also allocates additional improvements to bus and rail services throughout the county. As part of planned service enhancements, Metrolink will be increasing train frequency and optimizing train schedules later this year.

Each year, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund provides funding for LCTOP based on population and revenues. RCTC then works closely with local transit agencies to program these funds, ensuring they are used adequately for operational and capital needs, thereby helping transit riders and meeting the program's goals.