ENShared Investment
SacRT is funded through a mix of fares, and public funding (local, state, and federal dollars) because it’s a shared service that benefits everyone, even those that don’t ride it.
Public transit is something we all invest in together.
Riders pay a fare; however, the fare only covers part of the cost to operate the service. The rest comes from public funding, including local, state and federal dollars. Public funding helps fill the gap so transit stays affordable and convenient, especially for seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.
Funding Capital Projects
Federal and state capital project grants require local matching dollars. If SacRT doesn’t put in the required local matching funds, the state and federal grants we’re counting on for this region could be awarded to transit agencies outside of the Sacramento region (like the Bay Area and Southern California) instead.
Capital projects are the major investments in our community that help build, expand, and improve SacRT’s transit system. These are the big construction and infrastructure projects, like new stations and modern light rail trains, bus rapid transit lines and vehicles, alternative fuel buses, and upgraded facilities, that take careful planning and funding years in advance.
Capital projects are different from day‑to‑day operations. They’re designed to improve safety, reliability, and the overall rider experience. By investing in these long‑term improvements, together we are building a stronger, more efficient transit system for our region’s future.
Every local dollar SacRT brings to the table unlocks several more from outside. Local investment doesn’t just fund what SacRT does. It determines how much outside funding SacRT can attract to Sacramento. SacRT plays a vital role in driving economic growth and improving transportation access and quality of life across the region.
Even if you don’t ride SacRT, it benefits you by reducing traffic congestion on freeways and surface streets. Public transit also supports the local economy through the creation of manufacturing and construction jobs, drives development and housing in areas surrounding transit hubs, and increases workforce mobility. In doing so, it widens our region’s talent pool, allowing businesses to fill crucial positions faster.
SacRT also provides an alternative solution to the high cost of driving, putting more money back into households by having to spend less on gas, maintenance, and parking fees.
By the numbers
Cost to Ride
A SacRT single ride ticket on bus or light rail is only $2.50, which is about a third of the cost of one gallon of gas.