Congressman Kiley Applauds $39.7 Million Grant to SacRT for Cleaner, More Reliable Transit Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) helped secure $39.7 million in federal grant funding for the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), money that will help them reach their goal of lowering emissions.

Rep. Kiley wrote a letter of support on behalf of SacRT in June, arguing that the grant funding would allow SacRT to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient service, while advancing SacRT’s goal to fully transition to a low-and zero-emission fleet. Reps. Ami Bera (CA-06) and Doris Matsui (CA-07) also advocated for the grant funding. 

The money is being awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s 2025 Low or No Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. The funding will enable SacRT to replace 49 aging Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, many of which are more than 16 years old and average over 510,000 miles.

“This federal investment in SacRT’s bus fleet and maintenance infrastructure is a win for the Sacramento region,” said Rep. Kiley. “This project demonstrates that good things can happen when we work across party and geographic lines to get things done for local communities and residents. It will improve air quality, enhance transit reliability, and support emergency preparedness in communities north of the American River. I’m proud to advocate for funding that delivers real benefits to our constituents and strengthens our regional transportation network.”

“This federal investment is a major step forward in our mission to modernize public transit in the Sacramento region,” said SacRT General Manger/CEO Henry Li. “By replacing aging buses and upgrading our maintenance infrastructure, we’re improving reliability, reducing emissions, and delivering better service to the communities that need it most. We’re grateful for the continued support of our federal partners and leaders like Congressman Kiley who champion sustainable and equitable transportation solutions.”

This funding builds on SacRT’s recent success in securing nearly $77 million in 2024 to modernize its McClellan bus maintenance facility. The new grant will support the continued transformation of that site into a modern hub capable of maintaining up to 270 buses, including future zero-emission vehicles.

The new buses will enhance service reliability, reduce emissions, and improve transit access in underserved communities. The project is expected to modernize nearly 70% of SacRT’s all-day bus routes, benefiting over a quarter of the system’s total ridership. Over the lifetime of the vehicles, the project is projected to eliminate more than 6 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of removing 1,300 cars from the road for a year.

In addition to environmental benefits, the project will generate significant cost savings. During the first two years of operation, SacRT anticipates saving over $2.4 million annually in parts, labor, and fuel costs.

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