Media Contact: Randol White, 650-647-3489
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has voted to help provide a portion of funds needed for San Mateo County Transit District to transition toward a 100% zero emission bus fleet. The approval provided $14.8 million in funding for SamTrans, which will cover about 45% of the district’s South Base Battery Electric Bus Infrastructure project’s total costs. Once completed, this project will provide charging infrastructure for 37 buses.
Out of a fleet of 319 vehicles, SamTrans has already purchased 37 battery-electric buses (BEBs) and 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) to replace the existing diesel buses. Infrastructure also must be built to charge and maintain these and future zero-emission vehicles. The agency plans to convert its entire fleet of 319 buses by 2034, well ahead of the state’s zero-emission mandate in 2040.
“This generous investment highlights the state’s commitment to creating an emission-free future for transit,” said SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. “These funds help pave the way for our agency to make the important transition from diesel to zero-emission in the coming years.”
The CTC money is part of the Local Partnership Competitive Program under Senate Bill 1, passed in 2017. SamTrans was competing with other transportation projects throughout California and was one of just a handful of agencies to secure funding for this specific round.
In addition to this influx of state funding, SamTrans will also use federal support and San Mateo County’s Measure W funds to fulfill the vision of its Emission Zero project.
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About SamTrans: SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
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