SB 125 Transit Program
Overview
SB 125 (Chapter 54, Statutes of 2023) guides the distribution of $4 billion in General Fund through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program on a population-based formula to regional transportation planning agencies, which will have the flexibility to use the money to fund transit operations or capital improvements. The transportation budget trailer bill also establishes the $1.1 billion Zero-Emission Transit Capital Program to be allocated to regional transportation planning agencies on a population-based formula and another formula based on revenues to fund zero-emission transit equipment and operations. SB 125 includes an accountability program to govern the distribution of these funds, on which there is more detail below.
In addition, SB 125 establishes a Transit Transformation Task Force led by the California State Transportation Agency to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, improve the transit experience and address long-term operational needs.
Accountability and Program Development
SB 125 requires CalSTA to develop and administer an accountability program to govern the distribution of funds for the Zero-Emission Transit Capital Program and the General Fund component of the TIRCP. CalSTA will adopt guidelines governing the distribution of these funding sources in consultation with local agencies. To be eligible to receive money from these funding sources, regional transportation planning agencies must submit a regional short-term financial plan to CalSTA.
SB 125 Program Schedule
Item |
Date |
August 18, 2023 |
|
Informal Draft Guidelines Explanatory Webinar PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) Webinar Recording (YouTube link) |
August 28, 2023 |
Release SB 125 Draft Guidelines (PDF) |
September 1, 2023 |
Formal Draft Guidelines Workshop PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) Workshop Recording (YouTube link) |
September 7, 2023 |
Closing Date for Comments on Draft Guidelines* |
September 14, 2023 |
CalSTA Publishes 2023 SB 125 Guidelines |
September 30, 2023 |
Optional, time-limited, focused virtual meetings for agencies to discuss and clarify program requirements (will be scheduled by request)* |
October 16-December 8, 2023 |
Initial Allocation Package Submittal Due |
December 31, 2023 |
Regionally Compiled Transit Operator Data Due |
December 31, 2023 |
Requested Funding Will be Allocated No Later Than |
April 30, 2024 |
*Comments and requests for meetings can be submitted to: SB125transit@calsta.ca.gov
Regional transportation planning agencies must also submit a long-term financial plan to CalSTA by June 26, 2026, to be eligible to receive TIRCP grants in the 2026–27 fiscal year or any subsequent fiscal years.
Transit Transformation Task Force
SB 125 requires CalSTA to establish and convene the Transit Transformation Task Force on or before January 1, 2024, and include representatives from the department, various local agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. The task force is required to solicit and develop a structured, coordinated process for engagement of all parties to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership and improve the transit experience for all users of those services. CalSTA, in consultation with the task force, is required to prepare and submit a report of findings and policy recommendations based on the task force’s efforts to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature on or before October 31, 2025. The report must include a detailed analysis of specified issues and recommendations on specified topics, including, among others, reforming the Transportation Development Act.
More details on the Transit Transformation Task Force will be shared on this webpage in advance of the initial convening.
- Autonomous Vehicles Strategic Framework
- Broadband Deployment
- CalSTA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Implementation
- Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI)
- Enforcement and Safety
- Freight, Rail and Border
- Reports
- SB 125 Transit Program
- State Rail Assistance Program
- Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program
- Transportation Funding in California
- Transportation and Housing Coordination
- Tribal Relations
- USDOT Emerging Projects Agreement