Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
TIRCP funds major capital projects to modernize California’s rail, bus, and ferry systems, focusing on reducing emissions, improving service, and integrating transit statewide.
Funder: California Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Closing date for comments on Draft Guidelines (projected) | May 2027: Project application submission deadline / Full application due (projected)
Funding Amounts: Over $11.5 billion awarded to date; individual awards range from several million to hundreds of millions per project, typically supporting multi-year capital improvements.
Summary: Funds transformative capital projects to modernize California’s rail, bus, and ferry transit systems, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve transit integration and safety.
Key Information: At least 25% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities; full CEQA compliance is required before allocation.
Description
The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) provides major grants for capital improvements that modernize California’s intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems, as well as bus and ferry transit systems. The program’s primary goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand and improve transit services, integrate rail operations (including high-speed rail), and enhance transit safety. TIRCP is funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under legislative guidelines. Projects are expected to deliver transformative impacts on mobility, sustainability, and congestion across California, with a strong emphasis on serving disadvantaged communities.
