Low Carbon Transit Operations Program

The law directs Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund money toward maintaining and expanding public transit, with priority benefits for disadvantaged communities.

What the law does ​

• Limits eligible spending to bus, rail, and ferry service; transit fare subsidies; and network and fare-integration technology.
• Treats eligible spending as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Requires transit agencies to submit proposed funded services or programs to the Department of Transportation before receiving annual allocations.
• Requires the Department of Transportation to notify the Controller of eligible agencies, and requires post-spending documentation from recipients.
• Allows agencies to carry funding forward for up to four fiscal years, transfer shares within their region, and seek approval to redirect surplus or deprioritized funds.
• Expands required transit-finance audits to verify receipt and proper use of program money.

Who it affects ​

• Transit agencies receiving Low Carbon Transit Operations Program funding.
• Riders of bus, rail, and ferry services, including students receiving discounted or free passes.
• Disadvantaged and low-income communities served or connected by funded transit.