The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative project aimed at enhancing connectivity and sustainability within our community. In partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (Sac Metro Air District) and Sacramento Clean Cities Coalition (Clean Cities), SacRT is embarking on the development of Mobility Hubs at three light rail stations. 

This groundbreaking initiative has been made possible through the receipt of $1.7 million in federal grant funding from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Additionally, the Sac Metro Air District may contribute up to $3 million to further bolster the benefits and amenities of these Mobility Hubs, including enhancements such as landscaping, lighting, and other infrastructure improvements. 

To kick start this project, The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Program (STEP) granted $500,000 for the creation of a Mobility Hub Implementation Plan, which will be led by Civic Thread. The SacRT Mobility Hub Implementation Plan will be a community-driven approach to identify and site which of SacRT’s light rail stations should be prioritized for inclusion in the Sacramento Region’s 52 mobility hubs. The first three pilot locations have already been identified as part of the partnership with the Sac Metro Air District and Clean Cities.  

The Mobility Hubs will serve as vital community hubs, strategically located within disadvantaged neighborhoods, and will offer a multitude of transportation options aimed at reducing reliance on gas-powered and single-occupancy vehicles. Among the amenities provided at these hubs are EV carshare, bike and scooter share services, EV charging stations, carpool/vanpool connections, and electric microtransit shuttles. 

The following three Stations have been selected for the Mobility Hubs: 

• Marconi/Arcade Station 
• Globe Station 
• La Valentina/Alkali Flat Station 

Furthermore, this grant funding enables SacRT to procure new electric shuttles for our on-demand microtransit service, SmaRT Ride, and expand service to include the new Mobility Hub at Globe Station. 

“Sacramentans deserve to breathe clean air and live connected to our region’s vibrant communities,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). “Especially in low-income and underserved neighborhoods that have been disproportionately affected by air pollution, we must make crucial investments to empower folks and enable them to take part in the clean transportation transition. That’s why I’m proud to support the work of SacRT, the Sac Metro Air District, and all of their partners to establish these Mobility Hubs and create greener, more resilient communities.” 

“We are excited to embark on this journey toward creating Mobility Hubs that will serve as vibrant community centers, fostering sustainable transportation options and connectivity within our region,” said Henry Li, SacRT General Manager/CEO. “Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, SacRT is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents while leading the charge towards a greener, more equitable future.”

“Many of our light rail stations and parking lots are well-suited for the mobility hub concept,” said Sacramento County Supervisor and SacRT Board Chair, Patrick Kennedy. “When we link our bus and light rail systems to carshare programs, eBikes and Scooter rentals, we are providing people with end-to-end transportation and even more reasons to leave your car at home and take transit. I am very excited about this. Let’s Ride.”

“We are proud to support this pivotal first step towards establishing Mobility Hubs in our region. As we have identified in our coordinated regional planning, these hubs will not only enhance transportation accessibility but also contribute significantly to our collective efforts for transportation electrification, reducing air and climate pollution, and advancing equity,” said Alberto Ayala, Executive Director of the Sac Metro Air District. “Through collaborative initiatives like this, we are driving positive change and laying the groundwork for a cleaner, healthier future for our communities.” 

A disproportionate number of BIPOC and low-income communities across the region lack equitable access to transportation options that are affordable, sustainable and connect to essential destinations like grocery stores, schools, health care and employment centers,” said Kiara Reed, Executive Director of Civic Thread. “By centering community voices in the identification of mobility hubs and resulting amenities, we have a real opportunity to be intentional about health equity and advancing mobility options that meet the needs of communities who bear a disproportionate burden of transportation inequity.”

This pilot project represents the first phase of a larger mobility initiative led by the Sac Metro Air District, aiming to introduce up to 52 Mobility Hubs across the Sacramento region. Over a two-year period, SacRT will work on collaborating with EV vendors, acquiring electric shuttles, and engaging in extensive community outreach to gather input on the features and services desired at each Mobility Hub. The project is anticipated to kick-off in the summer or fall of 2024.  

The goal is to develop, demonstrate, and document the benefits, effectiveness, and sustainability of e-mobility hubs, with a focus on providing zero-emission equity for disadvantaged communities. 

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About Sac Metro Air District: 

The Sac Metro Air District is responsible for monitoring air quality, reducing air pollution, and enforcing air quality regulations in Sacramento County. The Air District also plays a leading role in promoting decarbonization efforts through innovative programs, financial incentives, and projects throughout Sacramento County and the larger region. The Air District’s mission is to achieve state and federal clean air and climate goals as we envision a clean air and low-carbon future for all. For more information about the Air District, please visit www.AirQuality.org. 

About Civic Thread: 

Civic Thread is a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health equity through community-centered policy and systems change in land use, transportation, and community development. Their work engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers throughout the Sacramento Region on improving health in the built environment offers valuable insights on transportation needs and opportunities, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. For more information, click here: https://civicthread.org/about-us/  

About Sacramento Building Health Communities:  

SacBHC – “The HUB” is a collaborative of organizations committed to racial equity and focused on making neighborhoods healthy for children and families. By engaging residents and convening organizations, SacBHC advocates to help create neighborhoods that support the health and wellbeing of everyone. As part of this mission, SacBHC works with communities to improve employment opportunities, education, housing, neighborhood safety, unhealthy environmental conditions, access to healthy foods and more. To learn more, visit https://sacbhc.org/.