San Diego Association of Governments and the Metropolitan Transit System were among the recipients announced Tuesday of $224 million in California State Transportation Agency grants aimed at bolstering public transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SANDAG was awarded $4 million to help complete the final 11 miles of a 21-mile Bus Rapid Transit route between downtown San Diego and the Otay Mesa border crossing, with service as frequent as every 15 minutes. MTS received $31.9 million for a new Courthouse Trolley Station to serve as the terminus for the Orange Line, along with congestion-relief at the Santa Fe Depot and the purchase of eight trolley vehicles.
“When public transportation is efficient, affordable and enjoyable more Californians use it and that improves quality of life for everyone,” said Brian Kelly, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. “These grants help support nearly $720 million in transportation investments in clean, affordable and low-stress commuting and traveling options by improving the quality and reliability of public transportation choices.”
A total of 14 grants were awarded to agencies across the state.
— City News Service