MST receives millions in state funding for rider improvement projects

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) announced Friday that they have been awarded a $1.16 million grant from the State of California Transit and Intercity Rail Capitola Program (TIRCP).

The MST said that the funds are an effort modernize some of its traveler information centers across the Central Coast.

The policy objectives that MST is hoping to target, include reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, increasing ridership with more service, integrating various rail services and improving transit safety, according to MST.

MST also says that they will be using a portion of the funding to help fund a separate project of almost $7 million to deploy digital transit traveler information systems for the Salinas Transit Center, Marina Transit Exchange, Sand City Station, Monterey Transit Plaza, vehicles as well as bus stop shelters.

Funds will also go towards MST's "Tap-to-Pay" fare payment system and offer a Reward Ridership Program within the app, according to MST.

These improvements are all in an effort to enhance MST's rider experience.