METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

AC Transit receives $81M to finish BRT project

As one of the highest rated transit projects in the nation, the agency’s BRT will link one of the busiest traffic corridors in the Bay Area with a fast, economical and environmentally friendly means of transportation.

November 11, 2014
AC Transit receives $81M to finish BRT project

 

2 min to read


Oakland, Calif.-based AC Transit signed an agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that commits the last of the funding needed to complete its East Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, a nationally revered transit operation that will enhance bus reliability and reduce commute times along a corridor routinely knotted by traffic.

“With the East Bay BRT project, AC Transit continues to execute its vision to provide a truly world-class transit service that is convenient, reliable and safe; one that increases mobility, enhances the quality of life and improves the health of the environment throughout the communities we serve,” said AC Transit GM David Armijo. “I know we would not be where we are today without the support of our project partners: the cities of Oakland and San Leandro, Caltrans, as well as our congressional representatives who provided letters of support at a critical point in this process to ensure this FTA funding.”

Ad Loading...

As one of the highest rated transit projects in the nation, AC Transit’s BRT will link one of the busiest traffic corridors in the Bay Area with a fast, economical and environmentally friendly means of transportation. It will connect downtown Oakland to downtown San Leandro with dedicated lanes, transit signal priority and artistically-enhanced stations with level boarding.

By reducing traffic levels and significantly cutting emissions and pollutants, BRT offers residents a viable alternative to driving on congested city streets. Additionally, BRT combines the express service and capacity of light rail with the convenience and affordability of riding a bus.

The new BRT line will provide approximately 27,000 weekday trips when the line opens in 2017. The project will include 7.4 miles of dedicated bus lanes to speed service, as well as 34 new bus stations with real-time arrival information, level boarding platforms and ticket vending machines.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is contributing approximately $81 million toward the $174 million total cost of the East Bay BRT project, including $50 million from FTA’s Capital Investment Grant Program, $25 million in FTA Bus and Bus Facilities funds, and $6 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds. The remaining cost will be covered by state and local funding sources.

More Bus

Complete Parts logo
Busby StaffApril 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.  

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →
A shot of ENC's manufacturing facility
Busby StaffMarch 31, 2026

ENC Named 'Partner of Choice' to Support Philadelphia SEPTA’s $43M FTA Grant

SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Bus Tech Talk with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanMarch 27, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Read More →
An MBTA bus with a passenger boarding at shelter.
Busby StaffMarch 27, 2026

MBTA Confirms Funding for Upgraded Arborway Bus Facility

When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Assemblywoman Castillo and ENC officials at California facility.
Busby StaffMarch 23, 2026

ENC Hosts California Assemblywoman, Celebrates American Manufacturing and Economic Growth

The visit underscored ENC's role as a major employer in Assembly District 58 and its commitment to American manufacturing and skilled local jobs.

Read More →
Cover of METROspectives episode with The Bus Coalition
BusMarch 20, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
County and agency officials break ground in front of a red and yellow King County Metro public transit bus.
Busby StaffMarch 20, 2026

Seattle’s King County Breaks Ground on RapidRide I Line to Expand High-Capacity Transit

The 17-mile RapidRide I Line will bring faster, more frequent service and improved regional connections across South King County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →