More than $39m was allocated to transportation and infrastructure projects being undertaken by LA County. The money – given by the California Transportation Commission – was split among a few organizations, the most ($27.8m) of which was earmarked for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. With this money, 78 light rail vehicles, will be purchased and thereafter the possibility of purchasing an additional 39.

Five zero-emission battery electric buses will be purchased by the Long Beach Transit/Electric Commuter Express. That organization will use the rest of its allocated $6.5m to reach its goal of zero-emission over-the-road coach commuter route between Long Beach and UCLA.

The $5m given to the Los Angeles Regional Transit System Integration and Modernization Program is to be put toward the completion of the Vermont Transit Corridor’s environmental documentation.  Included in this will be a transit service from Hollywood Boulevard to 120th Street.

This money comes after the $924 million which was given in May in an effort to improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state.  According to Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) Director Toks Omishakin:

“Caltrans is building a brighter future through a transportation network that serves all Californians. This significant investment will help us fortify and enhance our state’s vast network of highways, bridges, transit lines, bikeways and pedestrian routes.”

In related news, there is a chance that additional passenger rail service will be implemented for Las Vegas; a move that was endorsed by M.J. Maynard, CEO of Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.  He sees this as a further choice for those traveling to Las Vegas which will facilitate “congestion, improve our air quality and significantly enhance the overall visitor experience.”