For Immediate Release

March 10, 2023

MONTEREY-SALINAS TRANSIT (MST) SURF! BUSWAY AND BUS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION NOW FULLY FUNDED THROUGH $14M GRANT FROM FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM

 Monterey-Salinas Transit was recently selected to receive a $14M grant from the FY 24 FTA Capital Investment Grant Program. An additional $8.1M of FY 23 funds was allocated to complete funding for the project as well – a total of over $22M. The program funds transit capital investments that include heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit.

One of only 17 other projects across the country, and the only project in a small urban community, the MST SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit (SURF!) project was recommended by the Biden-Harris Administration to receive funding to support the construction of the six-mile dedicated busway along a former rail right-of-way parallel to California Highway 1.

The SURF! project is good for passengers, non-riders, the region, and beyond! The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through reduced congestion impacts, better service and improved on-time performance, increased access and opportunity for everyone, and economic benefits through direct and indirect activities, in addition to the creation of pedestrian and bicycle improvements – all together create a healthier, happier community.

MST General Manager/CEO, Carl Sedoryk stated, “We are extremely appreciative of the continued support of our local funding partners including TAMC, the State of California, and advocacy of our legislative delegation including Senators Feinstein and Padilla, Congressman Panetta, State Senator Laird, and State Assembly Member Rivas with support from our partners, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Blue Zones, CHISPA, LandWatch Monterey County, the Salinas Valley Chamber, Monterey Peninsula Chamber, and Monterey County Hospitality Association.  Finally, our private sector partners including Don Gilchrest, and our team at Kimley Horn that helped us over the finish line. Projects like the SURF! represent why we do what we do every day – to connect communities, create opportunity, and be kind to our planet.”

For schedule information, visit mst.org or call MST toll-free at 1-888-MST-BUS1 (1-888-678-2871). For RealTime bus arrival information, text “Next” and your four-digit bus stop ID (ex., “Next 9103”) to 25370, call 1-888-MST-BUS1 with your four-digit bus stop ID, download the free Transit App, or use Google Maps. Follow MST on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mst_bus for the latest service alerts.

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