[Caltrans] – The California Department of Transportation has awarded approximately $350 million in grants to improve public transit across California. An estimated 80 projects will upgrade transit service, purchase eco-friendly buses, modernize transit stations and create jobs throughout the state. The grants are funded through Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, which is providing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period to improve public transit in California.

“These projects are a direct investment in our state’s public transit system and will help energize California’s economy,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Not only will these projects help create jobs, they will also reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and provide Californians with more viable alternatives to rising gas prices.”

Some of the notable projects awarded Proposition 1B funding include:

§    $18.93 million to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for construction of a new bus operations and maintenance facility.

§    $15 million to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for bus rehabilitation.

§    $12.53 million to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority for renovation/rehabilitation of Metrolink equipment and facilities.

To date, Proposition 1B has provided $1.7 billion in funding to more than 700 transit projects statewide, with 216 completed.