Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
Modernizing the State's Rail, Bus, and Ferry Systems
The Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) supports capital improvements to modernize intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems, as well as bus and ferry transit systems, to reduce vehicle miles traveled, congestion, and greenhouse gasses produced.
TIRCP projects expand the state’s commuter and intercity rails and involve major investments in new and expanding rail transit corridors. TIRCP also features expansion of zero-emission buses in urban areas and over long distance routes. Projects serve disadvantaged communities through improved transportation options and reduced emissions.
More details about TIRCP are available at the California State Transportation Agency.
Spotlight on TIRCP Projects
Electrify Anaheim: Changing the Transit Paradigm in Southern California
The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funds capital improvements that increase and expand transit services, improve transit safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2018, TIRCP awarded the Anaheim Transportation Network / Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) $28,617,000 to purchase 40 zero-emission electric buses (ZEBs), construct a bus maintenance facility, and develop new micro-transit services. The total cost of the project was $45,201,000.
ART operates a transit network of 19 interchangeable bus routes with service to more than 70 stops in and around Anaheim and Orange County. ART collaborates on long-distance connections with regional transportation providers, as well as with the City of Anaheim on transit initiatives for residents. ART transports more than 9 million visitors to the region each year using a fleet of 81 buses. The ZEBs replaced 20-year old Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) buses and increased the fleet's zero emission electric vehicles to 57% percent.
Project Stats
Coastal Express/Pacific Surfliner Peak Hour Service Expansion and Integration Project
In 2018, TIRCP awarded the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) $9,600,000 to enhance bus services by purchasing 5 battery-powered electric coach buses to augment existing bus service operating between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as well installing the maintenance and charging infrastructure to support the use of the new buses. The total cost of the project is $10,175,000.
The Clean Air Express commuter bus service is a weekday commuter bus program serving residents of Lompoc, Santa Maria, Buellton, Solvang, and adjacent unincorporated areas commuting to their jobs in Goleta and Santa Barbara. The Clean Air Express was created to improve regional air quality by reducing the number of commuters driving alone. In 2001, after assuming management of the Clean Air Express, SBCAG expanded the service purchased new buses, added the flexibility of a cash fare and more recently a contactless payment option, and installed wireless internet access on all vehicles.