Media Contact: Mahmoud Abunie, 650.730.6201
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $15 million of Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funding to SamTrans. The TIRCP funds are managed and awarded by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). The money will help the transit agency buy 108 new zero-emission buses (ZEBs) to replace its aging fleet of diesel vehicles. The goal at SamTrans is to have its entire diesel fleet replaced with ZEBs by 2034.
The outcome will be a reduction in greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, driven by the reduction in fossil fuel consumption, which will provide more efficient and equitable access to sustainable and clean public transportation in San Mateo County. The California Air Resources Board set a statewide goal for public transit agencies to hit 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040. This grant award allows SamTrans to take one step closer to meeting that goal.
SamTrans has started on its zero-emission journey. The agency currently has 17 battery-electric buses (BEBs) in operation and is preparing to roll out 20 more around the end of this year. The agency also has 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) that will be added to the fleet in the coming months.
“Our zero-emission fleet demonstrates SamTrans’ commitment towards reducing the impact of transportation on air quality and our climate by reducing greenhouse gases in our communities. This funding is critical to support our mission to provide safe, equitable and sustainable transportation for our riders." said Deputy Chief of Bus Fleet Liria Larano.
The $15 million dollars headed to SamTrans is part of a much larger $1.9 billion group of funds that was recently allocated by CTC for transportation infrastructure projects throughout the state.
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About SamTrans: The San Mateo County Transit District operates 71 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the 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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