The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved a transport funding package worth nearly 1 billion USD, with a portion directed towards rail and public transport schemes.
The 988.7 million USD allocation forms part of the state government’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda and combines 184 million USD from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with 336 million USD from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act.
Los Angeles Union Station
© Metrolink
While many of the included programmes support highway upgrades and road safety schemes, several rail-related projects are included, reflecting the state’s broader objective of strengthening public transport networks and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Among the most significant rail investments is 60 million USD to support the rehabilitation of Los Angeles Union Station. The station is a major passenger rail hub serving intercity, commuter and metro services, and the funding is expected to contribute to improvements in passenger facilities and operational resilience.
In addition, in Northern California, Sacramento Regional Transit will receive 21 million USD for the purchase of eight new light rail vehicles. The investment is intended to modernise the fleet and support service reliability on the city’s light rail network, which plays a central role in regional commuting.
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said:
Creating a brighter future in the Golden State is about addressing big challenges with meaningful investments like those made today. This level of support funds wide-ranging transportation upgrades that provide the backbone of California’s vibrant economy by improving goods movement, expanding transit and rail systems and making our system more bikeable and walkable. These benefits will be experienced by every region, including disadvantaged communities throughout the state.
The funding package also includes support for projects that integrate rail with other public transport modes. In Glendale, 17 million USD has been allocated for the procurement of 20 electric buses, contributing to lower-emission feeder services that connect with rail and metro lines.
The wider programme includes investment in multimodal corridor upgrades, such as schemes along US 101 in Santa Barbara County that combine high-occupancy vehicle lanes with public transport enhancements, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian improvements.