California awards almost $200 million in grants for clean transportation.
California Approves $192 Million for Public Transportation Projects
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the approval of $192 million to fund 136 public transportation projects aimed at reducing pollution and providing affordable transport options. This initiative includes various measures such as free or reduced fares, expanded services, and the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
“More clean and affordable transportation is coming to California, cutting pollution and making it easier for folks to get around,” said Governor Newsom. “These programs are key to our climate goals—building charging stations, getting more EV buses on the roads, and reducing costs for public transit.”
Related Stories
New California Law Allows Telehealth for Veterinary Patients
10/30/2023
Newsom Announces $95 Million Flood Funding, Nearly $12 Million to Illegal Immigrants
10/29/2023
Key projects selected for funding, according to the governor’s press release include:
- More than $52 million for Los Angeles County’s plan to fully electrify buses on routes in the North San Fernando Valley.
- San Francisco’s low-income seniors, youth, and disabled will have access to $17.5 million in free tickets.
- Orange County will build a new fueling station with nearly $9.7 million, designed to support 50 hydrogen-powered buses, with 75 percent of the money benefiting disadvantaged neighborhoods in Garden Grove.
- Southern California’s Metrolink will offer nearly $4 million in free rides for students.
- A low-income community in San Mateo County—south of San Francisco—will receive $2.5 million to replace 15 diesel buses with electric vehicles and to install charging equipment.
- Nearly $1.7 million to the City of Los Angeles to install bus chargers at its main bus operation facility near downtown Los Angeles.
- Bus route expansion will benefit an underserved community in Fresno at a cost of $1.6 million, and more than $500,000 will be used to convert a fleet of buses to electric and to install charging equipment in Butte County—a rural area north of Sacramento.
- Ventura County will receive $1.2 million to provide free access for youth in addition to nearly $900,000 to install battery charging infrastructure.
“Across California, these projects are also creating and supporting employment opportunities and improving public health and the environment,” stated the California Climate Investments, the group responsible for reviewing applications.
This funding aligns with the state’s Low Carbon Transit Operation Program, which aims to enhance public transit, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. It is part of the California Climate Investments, funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund derived from the state’s cap-and-trade program.
How will the provision of discounted fares for low-income residents improve accessibility and affordability of public transportation in Sacramento?
To support the adoption of electric buses.
The funding for these projects comes from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which allocates Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of these initiatives is to not only improve public transportation options but also to reduce pollution and combat climate change.
By adopting electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, these projects will help reduce the carbon footprint of public transportation systems in California. This is a crucial step towards achieving the state’s climate goals and transitioning to a greener and more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the provision of free or reduced fares will make public transportation more accessible and affordable for residents, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This will not only improve mobility but also contribute to reducing congestion and traffic on the roads.
California’s commitment to investing in public transportation projects demonstrates its dedication to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable transportation options. The state serves as a model for other regions and countries facing similar challenges and can inspire them to develop and implement similar initiatives.
Ultimately, these investments in public transportation will have wide-ranging benefits. They will not only improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the quality of life for residents by providing them with reliable, affordable, and sustainable transport options.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
