California commits $202m to electric and clean public transport

The funding is awarded by Caltrans through the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, part of the state’s California Climate Investment initiative (LCTOP). It targets greenhouse-gas reductions by shifting trips from private cars to cleaner public transport and by supporting the transition to zero-emission fleets, such as battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

“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 Dina El‑Tawansy, Director of Caltrans. “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.”

Several funded projects focus directly on enabling large-scale zero-emission bus operations. The San Mateo County Transit District will receive $2.58 million to construct a new hydrogen fuelling station and associated maintenance facilities at its North Base in San Carlos. The infrastructure will support the operation of up to 144 fuel cell electric buses. In Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District has been awarded $1.2 million to help fund four hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, supporting the agency’s transition towards a fully zero-emission fleet by 2037.

Battery-electric bus infrastructure is also a key focus. The City of Los Angeles will receive $1.75 million to purchase and install 57 electric bus chargers at the LADOT Washington Boulevard Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility. Marin County Transit District has been awarded $700,017 to install solar panels and construct parking and charging infrastructure for zero-emission buses at its San Rafael facility, while the City of Roseville will receive $600,000 to complete Phase 3 of its zero-emission bus depot, including high-power chargers and associated electrical equipment.

Fleet replacement is also supported through targeted vehicle procurement. Monterey-Salinas Transit has been awarded $900,000 to purchase at least one zero-emission bus to replace a diesel vehicle that has exceeded its federally defined useful life. Smaller-scale energy projects are included, such as a $51,951 award to the City of Arvin to build a renewable microgrid to supply electricity for its electric buses.

Smaller awards address network quality and social equity, including bus stop enhancements, fare subsidies for low-income passengers and operational support in rural areas. A full list of the projects can be found at the end of the article. Since its launch, LCTOP has funded over 1,500 projects, supporting the procurement of zero-emission fleets, depot upgrades, and the integration of renewable power.

dot.ca.gov,dot.ca.gov (list of projects; PDF)