Reps. Panetta and Lofgren, Senator Padilla Secure Federal Investment in SURF! Rapid Transit Project

Monterey, CA - United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) as well as Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) announced new federal funding to assist Monterey-Salinas Transit construct the SURF! Bus and Bus Rapid Transit project. The $22.17 million grant from the United States Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grants Program is critical to ensuring full funding for this project. This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit project includes a six-mile dedicated busway along a former rail right-of-way parallel to California Highway 1, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and a transit signal prioritization (TSP) system along some segments, and will reduce congestion impacts, improve on-time performance, and expand transit ridership in the increasingly congested Highway 1 corridor.

"Working families and essential workers in Monterey County spend too much time, money, and opportunities stuck in traffic," said Rep. Panetta. "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this federal investment in the SURF! Busway and Rapid Transit project will deliver sustainable, efficient, and reliable transportation solutions for our home and for our families during their commutes. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues at every level of government to secure this critical funding for Monterey-Salinas Transit, protect our environment, and support economic growth throughout the Central Coast."

"Affordable mass transit options allow our local and regional economies to thrive - ensuring people can safely access jobs, schools, stores, and more," said Rep. Lofgren. "This federal funding supporting MST's Bus and Bus Rapid Transit project will help improve access to rapid transit, reduce congestion on our roads, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It's good news all around, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this federal investment will have on our communities and environment."

"The SURF! project will transform communities along California's central coast by relieving traffic along Highway 1 through more frequent, zero-emission bus service," said Senator Padilla. "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're investing millions in new bus and bike routes and expanding reliable public transit options - saving time and reducing energy costs."

"MST Board of Directors is committed to connecting communities, creating opportunity, and being kind to our planet, and this project meets all of those objectives," said MST General Manager/CEO Carl Sedoryk. "For a little over 5 years, MST staff, our team of consultants, federal, state and local elected officials, advocates, and stakeholders have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome which is an important milestone for us to finally start construction later this year."

With the federal funding secured, and the remaining $25 million in state funding is expected to be allocated in the coming months, the SURF! project is fully funded and is expected to break ground this spring.

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