City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: March 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 4.A
1 of 3
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Anuj Gupta, Director of Transportation, Department of Transportation, Finance & Administrative Services
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of CalTrans Master Service Agreement
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the execution of the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) Master Agreement and Program Supplements for the State-funded projects.
Summary
Big Blue Bus (BBB), a division of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation (DOT), operates 194 transit buses across 69 square miles of greater Los Angeles providing more than 800,000 rides each month. BBB is committed to clean energy and has begun the process of converting its fleet to zero-emission battery-electric vehicles.
As part of this transition, BBB is requesting that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Master Agreement and Program Supplements for funds from the California State Transportation Agency. A resolution is required for BBB to receive funds through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) for the purchase of zero-emission buses and the construction of BBB’s electrical infrastructure.
Discussion
2 of 3
In October 2024, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced that BBB had been awarded a $53,280,857 grant for the construction of BBB’s electrical infrastructure and the purchase of zero-emission battery-electric transit vehicles through the TIRCP. TIRCP funding is provided through Senate Bill 1 (SB1) and generated from proceeds of the State’s Cap and Trade program. The program provides major benefits towards meeting the State’s climate and air quality goals, with a total reduction of more than 32 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Through investments that support a transition to cleaner technology and providing efficient and reliable service along corridors serving disadvantaged and low-income communities, BBB will move closer to its goal of a 100% zero-emissions transit fleet by 2030.
The electrical infrastructure and new battery-electric buses will enable BBB to complement existing service and continue providing critical first-last mile connectivity to Metro rail stations throughout the Westside of Los Angeles.
Adoption of this resolution would satisfy the State’s requirement for disbursement of the grant funds.
Environmental Review
This resolution to receive funds is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines which states that CEQA does not apply “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” It can be seen with certainty that the resolution would not be result in adverse physical impacts on the environment, and as such, is exempt from CEQA.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
04/23/2019
(attachment A)
Adoption of Big Blue Bus Resolution for State Transit Funds 1/10/2023
(attachment B)
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to
Apply for and Execute Related Grant Agreements, and
Receive and File Short Range Transit Plan
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the 3 of 3
recommended action. Appropriations associated with these funds will be included in the Capital Improvement Program during the next biennial process.
Prepared By: Enny Chung, Sr. Admin Analyst - Grants
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Attachment A: Adoption of Big Blue Bus Resolution for State Transit Funds (Web Link)
B. Attachment B: Resolution Adoption Authorizing City Manager to Apply & Execute Grant Agreements (Web Link)
C. TIRCP Resolution_3.25.25