California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced the allocation of 202 million USD to support 143 local clean transportation projects across the state. The funding is intended to improve mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on communities most affected by air pollution.
The projects are financed through the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), part of the state’s California Climate Investments initiative, which uses proceeds from the Cap-and-Trade programme. Over the past ten years, LCTOP has provided more than 1.4 billion USD for projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions from transport.
The latest funding round will support measures such as expanded bus and rail services, the introduction of zero-emission vehicles, investment in charging infrastructure, and fare subsidy schemes designed to make public transport more accessible.
In Lake County, 173,000 USD has been allocated to improve bus stops with new shelters, seating and bicycle facilities. Nevada County will receive 86,000 USD to support a reduced-fare travel programme for low-income residents.
In San Francisco, 18 million USD will be used to operate the Free Muni programme for seniors, young people and passengers with disabilities. The Golden Empire Transit District has been awarded 1.5 million USD to install a solar-powered smart grid system to support the charging of electric buses. In San Diego, 8.5 million USD will fund the purchase of up to 23 battery electric buses to replace older compressed natural gas vehicles.
Caltrans said the investment is part of a wider effort to reduce emissions from transport, improve public health and support the transition to cleaner mobility options across California.
A full list of projects can be viewed here.
