Measure X allocates $15 million for the SURF! Busway and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) is in the process of completing an application to  the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request Capital Investment Grant (CIG) funding (also known as "new starts"). MST recently received a $405,000 grant to evaluate transit-oriented development opportunities along the corridor and is considering applications for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant programs.

The proposed SURF! Busway and BRT project is a 6-mile bus-only corridor parallel to State Route 1 to be constructed along the Monterey Branch line rail right-of-way. It will provide direct transit links to Marina, Sand City, and Seaside communities. The SURF! project is expected to reduce travel times for bus rapid transit service. The improved travel time and reliability can significantly increased ridership on the numerous transit lines expected to use the SURF! Busway.

This project is part of a larger effort to build a modern mobility network for the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. The SURF! Busway is planned to link to future bus rapid transit lines serving Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula. Several improvements to bike facilities will be constructed as part of this project. MST is leading the project and the Transportation Agency is providing project management support and design oversight.

MST recently contracted with Kimley-Horn to complete the final design phase. This work will include significant public outreach with community members and other project stakeholders. MST staff is also working with the consultant team to develop ridership estimates and other information needed to submit future grant applications. Staff will provide a verbal update to the Committee at the meeting.