Senate Bill 125 Transit Program

What is the objective of the program?

Senate Bill 125 (SB 125) is providing $5.1 billion to fund transformative capital improvements that modernize California’s intercity transit, commuter, ferry, and rail systems through a formula-based Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and a new Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP).

The main objectives of the funding are to:

1. provide one-time multiyear bridge funding for transit operators to address operational costs until long-term transit sustainability solutions are identified
2. assist transit operators in preventing service cuts and increasing ridership
3. prioritize the availability of transit for riders who are transit dependent
4. prioritize transit agencies representing a significant percentage of the region’s ridership

These funds are also intended to provide a direct benefit to disadvantaged communities or priority populations which include low-income communities and low-income households.

Transit Ridership Data

To be in compliance with the SB 125 program guidelines, MCTC is required to make publicly available a summary of ridership data, consistent with the data submitted to the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database (NTD) from all of its transit operators and should cover the time period starting on July 1, 2022, through at least June 30, 2028. This should enable the public to review ridership trends within the region and to allow public understanding of the changes in ridership experienced over the SB 125 funding time period.

Links to access ridership information for the transit operators in the Madera County region are below:

• City of Madera Transit Ridership Report
• Madera County Transit Ridership Report
• City of Chowchilla Transit Ridership Report

How much funding will Madera County receive?

The Madera County region has the potential to receive $18,811,248 over the next four fiscal years, starting in 2024. 

An estimate of the amount of funding that MCTC can receive over the next four years is shown in the following table:

How will the funds be spent?

The project list was developed in consultation and coordination with local transit operators in Madera County and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the Madera County Transportation Commission Policy Board approved the proposed project list and funding allocations by Resolution 23-13. The projects that have been selected by the local agencies are in accordance with SB 125 Transit Program goals, providing direct benefits to priority populations while improving and transforming transit in the region.

On July 8, 2024, the Californa State Transportation Authority (CalSTA) approved the region's program of projects and has authorized the disbursement of the first allocation of funds in the amount of $8,442,343.

Approved Projects

MCTC – One percent of the total funding or $188,112 may be programmed by MCTC for Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) administration of SB 125 funding across both the TIRCP and ZETCP, and for planning expenses related to preparing and implementing the initial short-term financial plan, updates to the short-term financial plan, and the long-term financial plan that the RTPA’s are tasked with developing for the region.

Madera HSR Station Phase 1 (existing TIRCP project):

SJJPA is requesting $12,862,060 in SB 125 TIRCP funding for Phase 1 (Relocation of Madera San Joaquins Station to Avenue 12). The funding will mitigate cost escalation and support the construction of improvements which would be utilized initially by the San Joaquins and then by High-Speed Rail passengers once the future Madera High-Speed Rail Station begins operations. This funding will help to ensure the schedule is maintained to complete Phase 1 by mid-2025. Since the Madera Rail Station Relocation is an existing TIRCP project, having received TIRCP funding in 2018 and additional TIRCP funding in early 2023 as part of the special round for Existing TIRCP Projects, it is in harmony with the SB 125 program goals to prioritize this project. It is understood that TIRCP-funded capital projects that are already substantially funded and in need of additional resources for completion are expected to be prioritized over beginning new projects. This project is eligible for SB 125 funding and is strongly supported by the State.

Madera County Transit Fleet Electrification:

Madera County is requesting $2,855,761 in TIRCP funding and $699,239 in ZETCP funding for a total of $3,555,000 to purchase five electric buses, sixteen electric bus chargers and for the installation of eight satellite charging stations. These funds will assist with the County’s Transit Electrification project, funding the purchase and installation of additional battery-electric buses, vehicle chargers, and related infrastructure. This will enable the County to complete Federal and State requirements to convert its transit fleet to zero-emission buses. These efforts will be promoted to the public, setting an example for the community and thereby increasing awareness of the benefits of public transit. This will be leveraged in the County’s marketing program to increase ridership and attract many new bus riders to the services, which will in turn reduce vehicle emissions countywide.

City of Chowchilla Transit Electrification and Modernization:

The City of Chowchilla is requesting $810,725 in TIRCP funding and $895,350 in ZETCP funding for a total of $1,706,075 to improve its transportation system by upgrading the fare collection system and purchasing two electric buses along with the required infrastructure. The City of Chowchilla’s projects are crucial to help the city and the Madera County region reach California’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030. The City of Chowchilla has set a clear objective to modernize and improve its transportation system.

• Two cutaways or small bus/van - The City of Chowchilla requests the purchase of two small electric buses to replace the existing fleet and ensure there is adequate vehicle availability to limit service interruptions. These vehicles are consistent with the City's Zero Emission Transition Plan submitted to CARB and would help the City evaluate its capability to convert fully to zero emission.
• Charging infrastructure (Two dual dispenser compatible level 3 chargers) - Infrastructure is needed to charge the electric vehicles purchased. Allowing for two dual dispensers will maximize performance and facilitate future build out of the fleet.
• Engineering design and installation of chargers - Design and installation of the chargers will require utility company coordination to ensure the electricity load/demand can be met, as well as confirming the selected location is best suited for the city. The location of these chargers and future infrastructure will be coordinated with Madera County and any other relevant service providers.
• Mobile payment/contactless payment solution - Updating the ability for fare payment via mobile/contactless options on-board will modernize the transit services provided in Chowchilla, improving the transit rider experience, and increasing service accessibility. The fare payment method will be selected from the California Integrated Travel Project’s (Cal-ITP) technology procurement and will be coordinated with regional transit services to ensure maximum compatibility.

City of Madera Purchase Electric Vehicles and Required Charging Stations:

The City of Madera is requesting $500,000 in ZETCP funding for the future purchase of electric vehicles and required charging stations. The City foresees purchasing several electric vehicles and implementing a pilot microtransit program. The City believes this option is imperative to meeting the electric vehicle requirements. At present, charging infrastructure for an electric bus is simply not viable at the City’s Transit Center due to electric grid challenges. The City must develop a plan to meet electric vehicle requirements, while maintaining the current needs of the riders at the forefront. Therefore, replacing the existing fleet with electric vehicles may be a more viable option to ensure compliance.