The Office of the Governor of the State of California
The Office of the Governor of the State of California
08/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/07/2024 20:09
Nearly $2 billion going to California public transit
Jul 8, 2024
Nearly $2 billion going to California public transit
What you need to know: Close to $2 billion is going to support public transportation in California communities as part of the first wave of funding from the $5.1 billion transit recovery package in last year's state budget.
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the approval of over $1.9 billion to support public transportation throughout the state. The funding was approved by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and is the first wave of funding from the transit recovery package in the 2023-24 state budget.
As part ofSenate Bill 125 (2023), a total of $5.1 billion will be distributed among regional transportation planning agencies over the course of multiple years. This funding comes with the flexibility to pay for transit operations or capital improvements. The money announced today will go to 22 agencies, with amounts varying based on regional population.
This vital funding serves as a lifeline for transit agencies all over the state and helps to advance California's ambitious, world-leading climate goals. At the same time, we're adding accountability measures that help put our state's transit agencies on a path toward long-term stability.
Governor Gavin Newsom
CalSTA anticipates approving additional allocation packages for remaining planning agencies throughout the summer, totaling nearly $500 million. The remaining SB 125 funds will be approved annually through fiscal year 2027-28.
"California's commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline - including for zero-emission equipment and operations - we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California," saidCalifornia Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "I thank Governor Newsom and our legislative leaders for continuing to prioritize public transit."
The transit recovery package also includes accountability measures to help stabilize transit systems and retool their long-term operations to better align with the needs of the public. As part of that effort, CalSTA has convened theTransit Transformation Task Force to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, improve the transit experience and address long-term operational needs.
More transit dollars on the way
In addition to the transit funding announced today, in April CalSTA put out a call for projects for more than $900 million in funding throughthe Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Project applications are due July 23, with an award announcement in October. This follows nearly $3.5 billion in state funding just last year to expand transit and passenger rail service throughout the state.
Recent news
El Gobernador Newsom pide a los californianos tomar precauciones mientras continúa la peligrosa ola de calor
Jul 5, 2024
News Lo que necesita saber: Gran parte del estado permanece bajo advertencias de calor excesivo y se esperan varios días más de calor extremo. El gobernador Newsom continúa pidiendo a los californianos tomar precauciones ahora para mantenerse a salvo del calor....
Governor Newsom announces deployment of Incident Support Team to Texas amid Tropical Storm Beryl
Jul 5, 2024
News SACRAMENTO - As Tropical Storm Beryl makes its way toward Southern Texas, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team which will provide...
California secures federal assistance to support response to French Fire
Jul 5, 2024
News SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the French Fire in Mariposa...