SacRT Awarded $13 Million Grant
July 7, 2017 – The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is excited to announce it has been awarded a $13 million grant from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The competitive grant award comes from the Traffic Congestion Relief Fund and will support two major projects. The first project will be allocated $8 million to fund the replacement of SacRT’s outdated fare vending machines along with the installation of new digital information signs with updated security features.
“This is outstanding news!” said SacRT Chairman Andy Morin. “The District’s new executive team has been working diligently to uncover new sources of funding in an effort to upgrade station amenities to improve customer service. This is just one more example of SacRT going the extra mile to provide clean, safe and convenient service.”
Many of the system’s existing fare vending machines are more than 15 years old and only accept cash and coin. The new machines will allow passengers to pay with credit, debit and Connect Card (the region’s new transit smart card).
“SacRT really appreciates the partnership with one of its major funding partners, the CTC, as these funds are urgently needed. With these state funds, we are looking forward to providing state-of-the-art amenities to our customers,” said General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “The timing is perfect as we just rolled out our new Connect Card, and these updated machines will ensure that smart card technology is available to everyone, whether they are using cash or credit.”
The grant also provides funds to install a second information sign on all light rail platforms to improve communication with passengers. Right now, many stations only have one digital sign and the coverage is limited to properly inform customers.
The grant funding will also be used to pay for the relocation of a traction power substation that is currently located on land owned by SMUD. The electricity provider intends to build a new substation near 6th and G streets to improve its ability to provide power to the region, but SacRT will no longer be able to maintain its substation on the current easement. A total of $5 million will be allocated to the relocation project, which must be completed by the end of summer 2018.
About Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
SacRT operates approximately 69 bus routes and 43 miles of light rail throughout Sacramento County, including the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove. Sacramento buses and light rail trains operate 365 days a year. SacRT’s entire bus and light rail system is accessible to the disabled community. ADA services are provided under contract with Paratransit, Inc.
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