Caltrans Funds Two Local Low Carbon Transit Projects
Sacramento, CA — Two Mother Lode public transit improvements are among 131 statewide projects that will be getting cash from Caltrans’ $74.6 million Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funding pot.
In releasing details Wednesday, Caltrans officials say the program is among the state’s strategies to meet its ambitious climate change-related mitigation goals. Paid for through California Climate Investments, funds are proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions that are earmarked to provide benefit to communities in tandem with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Over $70 million of this funding allotment is being directed to 85 projects benefiting disadvantaged communities, although the projects chosen in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties are not listed as being in that category.
The Tuolumne County Transit Agency will be receiving $52,632 in funding for a transit hub at the Law and Justice Center now under construction, which is anticipated to improve the efficiency and performance of the local transit system as well as increase ridership. The Calaveras Transit Pilot Service, which was approved for a $44,235 award, will apply it towards funding a Saturday transit service between Valley Springs and Murphys for residents and visitors.
Program efforts, which address a gambit of approaches, include route expansions and line extensions; passenger upgrades and reduced fares; bus stop enhancements and access improvements. Caltrans officials say the targeted projects will not only bring real benefits to local communities, they will help create a more sustainable transportation system that will benefit residents overall by becoming more efficient, affordable and climate-friendly.
