California Transit Transformation Task Force aims to boost ridership and climate goals

Transit transformation took center stage at the recent California Transportation Commission meeting, highlighting the urgent need to revitalize ridership amid ongoing challenges. Officials underscored that transit is crucial for achieving California's climate and equity goals, yet ridership has been on a downward trend, even before the pandemic struck.

A graph presented by the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies revealed a troubling 10% decline in ridership from 2008 to 2018. While some transit systems have seen ridership recover to pre-pandemic levels—ranging from 50% to as high as 120%—the overall picture remains concerning.

The meeting also discussed SB 125, the budget trailer bill passed last year, which allocated short-term funding to support transit agencies as they navigate recovery. A significant component of this legislation is the establishment of the Transit Transformation Task Force. This task force aims not only to restore ridership but to enhance the overall transit experience and address long-term operational needs.

The focus is clear: the goal is not just to return to pre-COVID numbers, which were already below peak ridership levels. Instead, the task force is committed to a transformative approach that aligns with California's ambitious target of reducing vehicle miles traveled by 30% by 2045, as outlined in the California Air Resources Board's scoping plan.

As the state grapples with these challenges, the outcomes of the task force's efforts could significantly shape the future of public transit in California, making it a pivotal moment for both environmental and social equity initiatives.