Caltrans funds 77 projects to improve transit

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awarded $560 million to 77 transportation projects designed to upgrade transit service and modernize stations.

The awards include $106.3 million for the Mid-City Exposition light-rail project aimed at improving service between Culver City and Santa Monica; $81.8 million for the Central Subway light-rail line in San Francisco; $43.5 million to construct an underpass at a Metrolink and BNSF Railway Co. crossing on Raymond Avenue in Orange County; and $36.7 million for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's light-rail vehicle purchase.
 
The funding was authorized through Proposition 1B, the $19.9 billion transportation bond that voters approved in 2006. The bond included funds for more than 1,100 transit projects over 10 years.

"Not only will these projects create jobs, they will also help curb greenhouse gas pollution and provide viable alternatives to driving cars," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty in a press release.