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Senate Transportation Committee advances SB 741 to streamline Low Carbon Transit Operations funding
Summary
SB 741 would loosen reporting and modeling requirements for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) to give transit agencies more flexibility to maintain or expand service; supporters said the change helps agencies facing fiscal stress and would boost ridership and air-quality benefits.
The Senate Transportation Committee advanced SB 741 on a unanimous recorded vote after supporters said the bill would simplify administration of the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) and allow agencies more flexibility in using funds.
The bill's author opened the brief hearing by saying SB 741 "streamlines the administration of the state's low carbon transit operations program," removing modeling requirements the author described as costly and duplicative. The author also noted LCTOP funds have been used for programs such as discounted transit passes for youth and students and asked members for an "aye" vote.
Supporters who testified said the change would let local transit agencies preserve service amid tight budgets. Michael Pimentel of the California Transit Association told the committee, "A vote for this bill is a vote for improving government efficiency, maximizing investment in our projects and services in the public transit space, and creating funding flexibility for transit agencies." He and other witnesses said the bill would allow agencies to use LCTOP dollars for maintaining service in addition to expanding it.
Shane Guzman, speaking on behalf of the Amalgamated Transit Union, said the bill had the union's "strong support," arguing that transit is "critical to achieving our climate goals" and that flexibility and streamlining are needed to sustain services statewide. Another witness, listed in the transcript as "Brennan or Bicky," registered support on behalf of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, the San Mateo County Transit District and Caltrain.
A committee member asked how the proposal would affect ridership; a supporter answered that the bill provides flexibility that can help maintain service levels and therefore ridership, citing Metrolink as an example of an agency facing financial pressure. No opposition witnesses came forward during the hearing.
After brief discussion and roll-call procedures to confirm a quorum, the committee recorded the votes and the clerk reported the bill as carried out of committee. The committee adjourned after the vote.
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