The Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) is a pioneering initiative launched in Fiscal Year 2019-20 to tackle transportation inequities and foster socioeconomic progress within underserved communities. This pilot project is specifically designed to break down the barriers highlighted in CARB’s SB 350 Guidance Document and address crucial challenges identified in CARB’s 2018 SB 150 Progress Report. Step Transportation represents a commitment to creating more just and environmentally sound transportation solutions.
STEP is testing a novel approach to Low Carbon Transportation funding. Its primary goals are threefold: first, to directly address the transportation needs of community residents; second, to improve access to essential destinations, including schools, grocery stores, workplaces, childcare, community centers, and healthcare facilities; and third, to actively reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. By funding a diverse array of clean transportation and supporting projects within specific communities, STEP provides a pathway for communities ready for significant investment. The program’s flexibility allows for funding across capital projects, operational improvements, planning initiatives, and capacity building, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the unique context of each community. Explore the Project Map to see the reach of STEP transportation.
The impact of STEP transportation is evident in its funded projects. Implementation Grants have been awarded to a variety of impactful initiatives across California:
- Stockton Mobility Collective: In South Stockton, the San Joaquin Council of Governments is spearheading this project, receiving $7,480,385 to enhance mobility options.
- Commerce Moving Forward: The City of Commerce is utilizing $3,240,078 to advance transportation solutions within Commerce, Los Angeles County.
- South Los Angeles Universal Basic Mobility Pilot Program: The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is implementing a transformative program in South Los Angeles with $13,843,297 in funding.
- Our Community, Our Shuttle: Bayview-Hunters Point Equitable Mobility: The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is enhancing mobility in Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco County, with a grant of $10,569,100.
- West Oakland STEP: Oakland Department of Transportation is utilizing $7,665,372 to improve transportation in West Oakland, Alameda County, under the STEP framework.
Alt text: Aerial view of Stockton, California, highlighting urban and residential areas, relevant to the Stockton Mobility Collective project.
- The SR-15 Sustainable Redevelopment Project: City Heights Community Development Corporation is undertaking this project in City Heights, San Diego County, with $3,300,000 in funding.
- El Monte’s Clean Mobility Nexus: The City of El Monte is developing a clean mobility hub with $6,703,420.
- Empowerment in Motion: Expanding Equitable Clean Mobility Solutions for Communities: Los Angeles County Internal Services Department is bringing improved mobility to LA County Public Housing Sites with $7,325,000.
- ConnecTransit Implementation: Omnitrans is advancing equitable transit in the E St. Corridor in San Bernardino County through zero-emission public transit with $4,468,494.
- West Hollywood Eastside Transportation Improvements: The City of West Hollywood is enhancing transportation in Eastside West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, with $8,214,840.
- Environmental Justice and Transportation Equity in West Fresno: Fresno Department of Transportation is addressing environmental justice in West Fresno with $5,087,000 dedicated to transportation equity.
Alt text: Urban street scene in Commerce, California, illustrating city infrastructure and transportation networks, related to the Commerce Moving Forward initiative.
In addition to Implementation Grants, STEP transportation also supports Planning and Capacity Building projects, laying the groundwork for future sustainable transportation advancements:
- Power the People: MLK Jr. Shoreline Access Study: Oakland Department of Transportation is conducting a study focused on shoreline access in East Oakland, Alameda County, with $184,753 in funding.
- Isla Vista Community Mobility Plan: Isla Vista Community Services District is developing a community mobility plan in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara County, with $182,158.
- Solano Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (Sol STEP): Solano Transportation Authority is undertaking this project in Vallejo, Solano County, with $299,997 to promote sustainable transportation equity.
- Rebound the MLKcommUNITY: A Transportation Equity Roadmap: Circle of Life Development Foundation/MLKCommUNITY Initiative is creating a transportation equity roadmap in Bakersfield, Kern County, with $200,000.
Alt text: Detailed map of East Oakland, California, pinpointing the geographical area relevant to the Power the People: MLK Jr. Shoreline Access Study.
- Center City Corridors: Equitable & Clean Transportation Options for All: Anaheim Transportation Network is exploring equitable transportation options in Anaheim, Orange County, with $200,000.
- SR-15 Transportation Equity & Affordable Housing Task Force: City Heights Community Development Corporation is establishing a task force in City Heights, San Diego County, with $199,248.
- Rush Street Corridor Enhancement Plan: City of South El Monte is planning corridor enhancements in South El Monte, Los Angeles County, with $205,108.
- Omnitrans ConnecTransit Plan: Omnitrans is developing a transit plan in San Bernardino County with $230,500.
STEP transportation is more than just a funding program; it is a holistic approach to rectifying transportation inequities and building more sustainable, accessible, and thriving communities. By prioritizing community-led solutions and investing in both implementation and planning, STEP is paving the way for a future where transportation serves as an engine for equity and environmental stewardship.
