State, federal funds granted to transportation agencies in SCV

Transportation agencies serving the Santa Clarita Valley community have been included in federal and state funding adding up to more than $310 million collectively to fund projects and expenses brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caltrans announced recently its approval of $146 million in Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funding for 166 local public transportation projects, of which Santa Clarita’s 2020 On-Demand Transit Demonstration project of $326,853 was included.

The city’s project aims to increase access to local transit services by providing on-demand transit to key areas citywide and expand operations into the Canyon Country and Newhall communities, according to the project description.

The projects selected have focused on the sustainability of transportation systems and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“This investment will help reduce our impact on the environment and improve transit service, particularly for those facing economic barriers to mobility,” Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said in a prepared statement. “Greater access to transit options will lead to decreased dependence on driving and cleaner air for all Californians.”

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, Metrolink in Southern California, whose Antelope Valley line runs through the SCV, has been granted $170.6 million from the U.S.

“

This investment will help reduce our impact on the environment and improve transit service, particularly for those facing economic barriers to mobility. Greater access to transit options will lead to ... cleaner air for all Californians.”

Toks Omishakin,

Caltrans director

Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration.

Funds will cover expenses needed “to provide safe, reliable service to passengers during the COVID-19 public health emergency, including train operations, fuel, security, public safety, fare collection and maintenance, utilities and facility and station maintenance expenses” according to a statement from the FTA.

The Transit Administration’s announcement comes after an announcement that $18.3 million was granted to Santa Clarita for transportation systems serving their communities affected by the pandemic. A portion of those funds is expected to be used to offset bus fares, as buses are currently not collecting fares in an effort to help maintain physical distancing between drivers and riders, according to city officials.