Elected officials and dignitaries attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new grant-funded SacRT bus maintenance facility. From left are SacRT Board Vice-Chair Rick Jennings, FTA Region 9 Administrator Ray Tellis, SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy, CARB Board Member Eric Guerra, U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, U.S. Representative Doris Matsui, state Assemblyman Josh Hoover, SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and SacRT Board Director Lisa Kaplan.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) recently announced several grant awards, totaling more than $105 million, that will benefit Sacramento commuters, public transit riders and the environment.

First on Oct. 23, SacRT announced that the California State Transportation Agency has awarded SacRT $29 million in grant funding through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. The grant funding will be used for several high priority light rail projects. Funding for the program comes from the federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund which was created and funded through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

According to SacRT, the projects, once complete, will offer significant benefits, including a reduction of 78,032 metric tons of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gases, a decrease of 250 million vehicle miles traveled, $160,722,974 in passenger travel cost savings and the support of 984 full-time equivalent jobs.

“This funding will allow us to continue advancing our vision of a more connected, accessible, and sustainable transit system for all Sacramento residents,” said Henry Li, SacRT General Manager/CEO. “We are excited to work with our partners to bring these projects to life, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on our community.”

Federal transit administration officials present Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) with a big check. Photos courtesy of SacRT

Light rail projects supported through this grant funding include:

New Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles

SacRT will replace aging high-floor light rail vehicles with new state-of-the-art S700 low-floor light rail vehicles from Siemens Mobility. SacRT previously ordered 45 of these new light rail cars, with the first 20 already in service on the Gold Line. This new grant funding will assist with the purchase of 10 additional new low-floor light rail vehicles, bringing our total to 55.

Light Rail Station Conversions on the Blue Line

SacRT is converting 17 of the 19 light rail stations along the Blue Line to accommodate the height requirement of the new low-floor light rail vehicles, making the system more accessible by eliminating the need to climb stairs to board the vehicles. With this new grant funding, SacRT will be able to complete station conversions at all light rail stations. Learn more about this project at sacrt.com/modernization. 

New Dos Rios Light Rail Station

A partnership between SacRT, the City of Sacramento, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), the new Dos Rios Station on the Blue Line will serve as a key part of the Twin Rivers-River District transformation. This project aims to provide connectivity to the historically isolated area, integrating transit access with Mirasol Village — a new development offering 427 low-income units and market-rate housing. The vision for the River District includes increased access to jobs, services, and cultural amenities, creating a vibrant gateway to downtown Sacramento. Learn more about the project at sacrt.com/dosrios.

Horn Road Light Rail Station and Complete Streets Improvements

SacRT is working with the City of Rancho Cordova and Sacramento County on “complete streets” projects along Folsom Boulevard, creating safer and more accessible routes for bicyclists and pedestrians near the future Horn Road Station. Rancho Cordova’s streetscape work and the design of a new Class IV Bike Trail will further connect the station to regional bike paths like the American River Bike Trail.

Transition to Digital Fare Technology

SacRT is transitioning to a digital fare system through the Cal-ITP Platform Validator and Smart Fare Vending Machine, in partnership with the CCJPA. This will streamline fare payments and transfers between SacRT services and Capitol Corridor trains, providing a more seamless experience for riders. SacRT plans to extend this template to other regional rail services, such as ACE and San Joaquins trains, making travel throughout Northern California easier and more efficient.

Then on Oct. 30, SacRT announced the Federal Transit Administration's award of approximately $76 million in Capital Investment funds. The federally funded Capital Investment grant program funds transit capital investments, including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit. 

The grant award will enable SacRT to purchase new hydrogen fuel cell buses, replace aging fleet vehicles, construct a permanent hydrogen fueling station, modernize a key bus maintenance facility, and establish a workforce development program to train local workers in maintaining and operating the advanced zero-emission buses.

As part of the grant award announcement, SacRT hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting event at the site of the new bus facility to be funded through the grant. Several local elected officials and dignitaries attended the vent and shared their thoughts.

"This investment solidifies SacRT’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “The new hydrogen fuel cell buses and modernized facilities will significantly reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing service for our riders. We are grateful for the federal partnership and the strong support from our congressional representatives." 

Said SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy, “This grant is not just about upgrading our fleet; it’s about creating opportunities for the Sacramento community. By investing in workforce development, we’re ensuring that local residents have the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs in the growing field of green transportation." 

Said U.S. Representative Doris Matsui, "Sacramento is leading the way in the transition to clean energy and this investment underscores our region’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The hydrogen fuel cell buses will make a tangible difference in our air quality, while creating jobs and boosting economic development in our community." 

Said U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D., "This federal investment will have lasting benefits for Sacramento. It supports clean energy solutions while improving access to safe and reliable transit. Thanks to funding passed from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am proud to support SacRT's efforts to modernize our transportation infrastructure.” 

The S700 low-floor light rail trains are designed to enhance accessibility, comfort and efficiency for all riders. Photo courtesy of SacRT

Said U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, "This federal grant is not only a win for sustainable transit but also for job creation here in Sacramento. This will provide new employment opportunities for our community, equipping local workers with the skills needed to support innovative transportation for years to come." 

Said Ray Tellis, FTA Region 9 Administrator, "The FTA is proud to support SacRT’s forward-thinking vision for public transit. These funds will help reduce emissions, improve transit services and create opportunities for Sacramento's workforce, all while moving us closer to a sustainable future.” 

Said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, "This project is a critical step toward achieving California's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. By transitioning to hydrogen fuel cell buses and modernizing transit infrastructure, SacRT is demonstrating the kind of leadership we need to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for our state." 

SacRT acknowledged the bus service improvement projects are made possible through strong partnerships with California Air Resources Board, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Center for Transportation and the Environment, New Flyer of America, American River College, Clean Cities Coalition and the County and City of Sacramento.