Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)
TIRCP funds major California transit infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase ridership, and improve integration and safety of rail, bus, and ferry systems.
Funder: California Department of Transportation
Due Dates: May 18, 2026 (Project applications due) | February 17, 2026 (Draft Guidelines comments due)
Funding Amounts: Over $11.5 billion awarded since inception; individual awards vary by project and cycle; new cycle funds available for 2026–2031.
Summary: Supports transformative capital projects that modernize California’s rail, bus, and ferry transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve statewide integration and safety.
Key Information: At least 25% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities; strict environmental review and reporting requirements apply.
Description
The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) provides significant grant funding from California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to support large-scale capital improvements in intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems, as well as bus and ferry transit across California. The program aims to modernize transit infrastructure, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase ridership, integrate rail and transit systems (including high-speed rail), and improve safety. TIRCP is administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under guidelines established by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), with oversight from the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
