TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: ACTC CIP Applications
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Resolutions Nos. 26-016, 26-017, 26-018 and 26-019 authorizing the General Manager or his designee to file and execute applications and funding agreements with the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) for the 2028 Comprehensive Investment Plan (CIP) for four projects.
Staff Contact:
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The award of grant funds for these projects will help the District fund vital capital projects that will improve transit performance and provide infrastructure and safety enhancements.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff recommends applying for grant funds for the following four (4) projects, with total requested grant amounts ranging from approximately $375,000 to $8.3 million: the AC Transit Next Generation Digital Signage Pilot (up to $375,000), the Zero Emission Maintenance Bay Upgrades Project (up to $5 million), the State-of-the-Art Bus Lifts Project (up to $7.5 million), and the International Blvd Transit-Lane Delineation Project (up to $8.3 million).
ACTC 2028 CIP Funds require a concurrent local match of 25%. Match amounts will therefore vary by project in proportion to the grant request, ranging from approximately $125,000 to $2.5 million for each project. Staff will utilize other grants and previously approved District funds as match for these requests.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
On May 28, 2026, ACTC announced the availability of $200 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 funding to support initiatives and projects listed in its Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). The CTP is Alameda’s countywide transportation improvement plan and is fully updated every six years. The purpose of ACTC’s Comprehensive Investment Plan (ACTC CIP) is to realize the listed projects and goals outlined in the CTP.
The proposed projects would meet ACTC’s goals as well as support AC Transit’s goals of improving service along key corridors and fully transitioning to Zero Emission Buses by 2040.
The International Blvd Transit-Lane Delineation Project will implement transit priority treatments to restrict unauthorized use of transit lanes and illegal turning movements while improving pedestrian safety and customer experience along the Tempo BRT corridor in Oakland. The Project will select, and bundle treatments based on location-specific needs that are informed by the International Blvd Phase 1 evaluation. Funding from ACTC would fully fund the construction phase in FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29 for centerline hardening to restrict crossing and illegal U-turns and left turns; delineation with channelizers (e.g., reflective posts, bollards) to visually guide and direct drivers away from curbside bus lanes and dedicated bus lanes; pavement markings such as bright red pavement with “BUS ONLY” markings; and signage indicating “Bus Only Lane”, “No U-Turns”, or “No Left-Turns.” Matching funds and funding for this Project are available from state and federal grants as well as District funds approved in the FY 2026-27 Capital Budget.
The ZEB Maintenance Bay Upgrades Project will rehabilitate and upgrade maintenance bays for use on Zero Emission Buses at AC Transit’s Division 4 and Central Maintenance Facilities in Oakland, Division 2 Facility in Emeryville, and Division 6 Facility in Hayward. The Project will upgrade and modify these maintenance bays so they are equipped for servicing high-voltage and hydrogen fuel systems attributable to Zero Emission Fuel Cell and Battery Electric Buses. This Project is vital to meet AC Transit’s goals of providing zero emission bus service in AC Transit’s service area and maintaining AC Transit facilities in a state of good repair. Funding from ACTC would be used on construction of this Project in FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29. The District plans to use secured state and federal grants as matching funds.
The AC Transit Next Generation Digital Signage Pilot will pilot the installation of digital at-stop signage and push-to-talk audio buttons to improve the timeliness and accessibility of rider information. The digital signs will replace at-stop schedule cases that hold a printed insert with schedules for buses serving that stop, and additional information such as maps, fares, and promotions for Clipper START. The Project would fund deployment and installation in FY 2027-28 and FY 2028-29. The District plans to use state grants to fulfil the match requirement.
The State-of-the-Art Bus Lifts Project will upgrade heavy-duty bus lifts at AC Transit’s Central Maintenance Facility to modernize the maintenance work environment and improve bus undercarriage access for preventative maintenance and light body repair. These new, state-of-the-art lifts will enhance worker safety, improve maintenance efficiency, and lower infrastructure upkeep costs. Over time, the Project will reduce the transportation system’s energy consumption, emissions, waste, and noise. These funds will be used for construction in FY 2027-28, FY 2028-29, and FY 2029-30. The District will use state grants to fulfil the match requirement.
Staff is engaging with partner agencies like Caltrans and City of Oakland to secure their support for these grant applications. The District’s submission is due to ACTC by July 27, 2026 and is scheduled for project review by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in October 2026 for funding that originates from MTC.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
ACTC’s CIP funding presents an opportunity to fund priority projects with grant funding rather than District funds.
The applications require a local match. All four projects have sufficient match committed.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff considered several potential grant applications to the ACTC 2028 CIP. The four projects selected best fit the goals of the program and were the most ready for implementation. This was determined by evaluating successful and unsuccessful applications from prior cycles, reviewing what projects have been approved by the Board through the District’s Capital Improvement Plan, researching the grant program, and communication with ACTC staff.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 26-016 of Local Support: International Blvd Transit-Lane Delineation Project
2. Resolution 26-017 of Local Support: Zero Emission Maintenance Bay Upgrades Project
3. Resolution 26-018 of Local Support: AC Transit Next Generation Digital Signage Pilot
4. Resolution 26-019 of Local Support: State-of-the-Art Bus Lifts Project
Prepared by:
Regina Tran, Principal Capital Planning Specialist
In Collaboration with:
Emily Heard, Manager of Capital Planning and Grants
Jesse Rosemoore, Senior Capital Planning Specialist
Approved/Reviewed by:
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Richard Oslund, Director of Management & Budget
Joe Callaway, Director of Capital Projects
Ramakrishna Pochiraju, Executive Director of Planning & Engineering
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Aaron Vogel, Chief Operating Officer
Paul Kincaid, Assistant General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer