California commission slots millions for trolleys, rail improvements

The California Transportation Commission has approved $244 million to fund 71 projects aimed at improving passenger-rail systems, highways and bridges.

The funding includes $27 million to procure eight trolley vehicles to expand service on the Blue and Orange lines in San Diego County. That money is part of a $30 million allocation for the state's transit and intercity rail program, which seeks to expand rail service to increase ridership, integrate rail and bus systems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) press release.

The commission also set aside $15.8 million from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond voters approved in 2006. That amount includes $1 million for preliminary engineering services related to improving operational efficiency of intercity passenger-rail trains.

"Investing in our infrastructure benefits Californians for generations to come and these projects will improve mobility and expand choices for all users of the transportation system, whether they choose to travel by car, take transit or ride a bicycle," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

Follow this link to view a complete list of projects receiving funding.