Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the effective date is January 1, 2028, but does not specify if there are any exceptions or phased implementation steps before then.
Active Transportation Program Guidelines Update
Starting January 1, 2028, this law updates the rules for how California selects and funds projects that help people walk or bike to transit stops.
What This Bill Does
- Updates project eligibility guidelines to include safe routes to transit facilities and school bus stops by biking or walking.
- Adds a requirement for project eligibility guidelines to include projects that expand access to transit in underserved or rural areas.
- Requires selection criteria to recommend using state transportation improvement program funds alongside Active Transportation Program money.
- Updates incentives to attract outside funding specifically to scale larger or network-level active transportation improvements.
- Requires the commission's guidelines to include a progressive range of penalties for applicants who fail to use previously received funds on time.
- Requires project applicants to consult with transit agency executive officers if their project is near existing bus, shuttle, or paratransit routes.
Who It Names or Affects
- The California Transportation Commission
- Applicants seeking funding from the Active Transportation Program
- Transit agencies operating in areas where projects are planned
Terms To Know
- Active Transportation Program
- A state program that gives money to build paths and routes for walking and biking.
- Safe Routes to Transit
- Projects that make it safer or easier for people to walk or bike to bus stops, train stations, or school buses.
- Underserved areas
- Places where residents have less access to transportation options than other communities.
Limits and Unknowns
- The specific details of the penalties for late fund use are not listed in this summary.
- The exact rules for how applicants must consult with transit agencies are not fully described here.
- These changes only take effect on or after January 1, 2028.