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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Authorization of an Application of up to $4 Million in Urbanized Area Formula Grants (FTA 5307) Discretionary Funds for Culver City Transit Center Improvements at the Westfield Culver City.
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Meeting Date: March 9, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Seth Contreras/Transportation Department
Wallis Nash/Transportation Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6544
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/04/2026)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Chief Transportation Officer (02/26/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize an application of up to $4 million for Urbanized Area Formula Grants (FTA 5307) Discretionary Funds for Culver City Transit Center Improvements at Westfield Culver City.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of Culver City receives Urbanized Area Formula Grants (FTA 5307) from the Federal Transit Administration. The City is allocated 85% of the local return annually based on the funding formula. The remaining 15% is comprised of Discretionary Capital funds that the City will compete with surrounding transit agencies to obtain. These funds require a 20% local match which will be identified from eligible existing funding in the Transportation Department. The application is due to the Bus Operations Subcommittee on March 11, 2026 and final scoring will take place on March 24, 2026.
The current application cycle of FTA 5307 Discretionary funding prioritizes transit center improvements. Staff plans to propose a project of approximately $4 million that would improve the rider experience and public safety at the Culver City Transit Center (CCTC) located at Westfield Culver City. The CCTC is one of the busiest transit hubs in West LA, serving seven bus routes operated by Culver CityBus, Big Blue Bus, and Metro. The proposed project would include pedestrian enhancements, crosswalks and road striping; the installation of new power service to connect services such as a TAP vending machine, safety lighting, wayfinding, and electric vehicle charging; construction of a new permanent bus platform with bus pad; and public safety design features to mitigate unsafe behavior. Staff will also seek partnerships with the two other operators in the grant application to enhance the proposal.
The current CCTC bus platform and pad are part of a pilot installation that would be made permanent through the funding from this project. Due to the success of the pilot program, staff is seeking funding to install these amenities permanently to enhance the ridership experience.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The 5307 Discretionary funds require a local match of 20% of the awarded funds. If awarded, the local match will be identified in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The Department will identify funds from the special revenue received from eligible sources. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
recommended action
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to apply for 5307 15% Capital Discretionary Funds for Culver City Transit Center Improvements at Westfield Culver City;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.