In the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, a transformative project is underway to reshape public transportation in communities around Merced. Thanks to $3.1 million in funding from the California State Transportation Agency's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)—half from California Climate Investments and half from SB 1 funds—the Transit Joint Powers for Merced County initiative addresses critical transit needs in disadvantaged communities. The initiative improves air quality and spurs economic growth by adding battery‑electric buses into The Bus, Merced County’s public transit system.
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance transit services in areas that need additional support. In Planada and Le Grand, unincorporated communities designated as low‑income and disadvantaged, residents have voiced their need for better transit services. These communities are now set to benefit from three electric buses on the P‑Commuter route in this rural part of the county. Similarly, Merced’s M‑2 route in the northern part of the county will see new services to neighborhoods previously devoid of public transit.
A bus drives through a neighborhood in merced County.
Recognition of the need for this project emerged from the annual unmet transit needs process, which incorporates community input from public hearings, emails, letters, social media, and a bilingual online survey. The Merced County Association of Governments’ Governing Board resolved to find solutions for residents’ transit needs, leading the Board to apply for TIRCP funding.
Despite its simple objectives, the initiative to expand transit access in Merced faced significant hurdles. Global supply chain disruptions affected both bus manufacturer Gillig and battery supplier BorgWarner, resulting in significant delays to the production of the buses. The completion date is currently scheduled for September 2024, six months beyond what was originally anticipated for vehicle delivery.
“We are pleased to provide these essential public transit services to a disadvantaged area of our county,” said Stacie Guzman, Executive Director of The Bus. “Despite the production delays, this award allows The Bus to achieve an important milestone in the transition to environmentally‑friendly public transportation in our region. The use of electric buses promises improved mobility of our workforce as well as a reduction in localized air pollutants and GHG emissions, which aligns with broader state environmental goals.”
Overall, this project demonstrates the importance of addressing transportation inequities, and the need for agencies to adapt in the face of unforeseen challenges. The successful targeting of resources to these underserved communities reaffirms the critical role of community involvement in shaping public services, while paving the way for a greener future.