Mayor Edwin M. Lee today applauded the California State Transportation Agency for awarding $45 million in new cap-and-trade funds as part of the Transit and Intercity Rail Capacity Program (TIRCP) to allow for growth and modernization of San Francisco’s light rail vehicle (LRV) fleet. In addition to improving the system’s safety and reliability, decreasing crowding, and increasing integration with regional operators like BART and Caltrain, the full fleet of new LRVs is expected to deliver 963,000 tons of greenhouse gas reductions over the life of the vehicles.

“This funding represents a key investment in San Francisco’s transit infrastructure as the City works to expand and replace its current light rail vehicle fleet, shorten travel times, and keep the system in a state of good repair. The funding will also help to address current and future capacity needs, drive smart growth and development to the City’s rail corridors, and increase transportation services for riders of all income levels,” said Mayor Lee. “I thank Governor Jerry Brown, California State Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly, and State legislative leaders for this important funding, and ask for continued support as San Francisco makes further investments in a safer, more reliable, and more efficient transportation network.”