Caltrans outlines TIRCP Cycle 8 changes, adds CSIS metrics and estimates $900 million baseline

Caltrans staff on the agency's TIRCP team presented key changes to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) Cycle 8, including the formal integration of the Caltrans System Investment Strategy (CSIS) as a secondary evaluation criterion, an expected funding baseline of about $900 million, and updated guidance from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Anthony (Caltrans staff) said the state’s cap-and-invest framework (formerly cap-and-trade) has been reauthorized and extended beyond 2045 and that the program’s continuous appropriation is now capped at "up to $400,000,000 per year" in statute, assuming about $4.2 billion in auction proceeds statewide. He added, "we are assuming an estimate of at least 900,000,000 for the cycle 8 of the program," but cautioned the number could change before the final call for projects.

Why it matters: CSIS adds a standardized, data-driven layer to project prioritization. Henry (Caltrans staff) described CSIS as a three-part framework—program fit (eligibility), quantitative CAPTI alignment metrics and other considerations such as delivery risk and leveraged funds—that will be used to assess how proposed rail and transit projects align with the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI). Caltrans staff will score quantitative metrics on applicants’ behalf using data submitted in a structured intake form.

Major changes and guidance

- CSIS and CAPTI metrics: Henry said CSIS includes 11 CAPTI alignment metrics (nine quantitative, two qualitative). Quantitative metrics listed by staff include…