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Adding to an existing service, the San Benito County Local Transportation Authority was awarded $172,900 from the state to expand its intercounty services with Santa Clara County.
According to a Jan. 14 Caltrans news release, the local agency was awarded funds from the state agency’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget to operate two roundtrips from Hollister to Gilroy’s Gavilan College campus and the Caltrain station on weekdays.
Those trips begin at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The funds are part of a $202 million distribution from California Climate Investment through the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP) awarded to 143 projects, according to Caltrans.
Council of San Benito County Governments Executive Director Binu Abraham, who also serves in the same role for the Local Transportation Authority, said the organization will use the money to maintain existing service levels.
“For the LTA, LCTOP funding is critical to sustaining essential services in San Benito, where long-distance travel options are limited,” Abraham said. “These funds help ensure continued access to regional jobs, education, healthcare, and services for San Benito County residents while supporting the county’s broader climate and mobility goals.”
According to the schedule, LTA has a total of 18 trips from Hollister to Gilroy starting at 4:45 a.m and ending at 8:35 p.m.
In November 2024, the board assigned Abraham to negotiate and execute a contract with Transdev Services to operate the local public transportation services which include the Hollister fixed route and intercounty route.
The contract was expected to be for five years and valued at $12.9 million which averages to approximately $2.6 million a year.
“Partnering with local transportation agencies, we’re building a thriving, more connected California by investing in projects that will improve outcomes for all roadway users and help the state achieve its ambitious climate goals,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said. “These clean transportation projects will better serve communities most affected by air pollution, expand bus and rail service, support free or reduced fare programs and encourage fewer, shorter automobile trips.”
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