San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

What San Bernardino County Transportation Authority does

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is a joint powers authority and government transportation agency, founded in 1973 and consolidated into its current single-entity form via Senate Bill 1305 (effective January 1, 2017). It plans, funds, and delivers multi-modal transportation infrastructure across approximately 20,000 square miles of San Bernardino County, California, serving more than 2.1 million residents across 24 cities and towns plus the County. SBCTA holds statutorily granted roles as County Transportation Commission, Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies, County Transportation Authority, and Congestion Management Agency—effectively functioning as a regional monopoly on transportation planning, programming, and funding coordination within the county.

The agency's portfolio includes the 53-mile SB Express Lanes tolling network on the I-10 and I-15 corridors, the Arrow commuter rail service with four stations between San Bernardino and Redlands (extended nine miles from Metrolink's San Bernardino Line), the ZEMU hydrogen-powered passenger train (North America's first federally compliant zero-emission hydrogen train, in regular passenger service since September 13, 2025), the West Valley Connector BRT project, and the San Bernardino Transit Center (LEED-Gold) at the Santa Fe Depot headquarters. Supporting services include the Freeway Service Patrol, Park & Ride lots, the IE511 real-time traveler information system, and vanpool subsidy programs (SB Loop, VVTA) offering up to $600–$700 per month for zero-emission vanpools. Transit operations are delivered through partner operators—Metrolink, Omnitrans, VVTA, Mountain Transit, and Basin Transit.

SBCTA's $1.46 billion FY2026/2027 budget ($1.097 billion in new revenues plus $364.3 million in carryover) is funded through a diversified public-finance stack: the voter-approved Measure I half-cent sales tax (first approved 1989, extended 2004, with a "return-to-source" allocation policy), federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act formula funds (Surface Transportation Block Grant, CMAQ, FTA, NHFP), California state programs (SB1, STIP, RIP, TCEP, TDA/LTF), SB Express Lanes toll revenue (shared with Riverside County Transportation Commission), and developer impact fees under California Government Code 66000 et seq. The agency has earned 19 consecutive years of GFOA Distinguished Budget Preparation Awards and the APTA 2026 Innovation Award for the ZEMU program.

Name

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

Legal name

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

Website

https://gosbcta.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is a government joint powers authority that plans, funds, and delivers multi-modal transportation infrastructure—including tolled express lanes, commuter rail, and hydrogen trains—serving 2.1 million residents across 24 cities in San Bernardino County, California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transportation Authority Services

NAICS

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Urban Transit Systems (4851), Support Activities for Road Transportation (4884), Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (48521)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Transit Bus Operator Authorities & Agencies (Planning/Fare/Admin) (TLAFAGAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Commuter Rail Operators (Government/Authority-Run) (THAIACAA), Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators (TLAFAGAF), Shuttle, Park-and-Ride & Mobility Hub Operations (BPABAKAI), Commuter Rail Feeder & Branch Line Services (THAIACAG)

Keywords

• Multimodal transportation planning
• Toll express lanes
• Commuter rail service
• Public transit funding
• Transportation infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

San Bernardino

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Measure I Sales Tax: Half-cent transportation sales tax approved by voters in 1989 and extended in 2004. Administered by SBCTA with a 'return-to-source' policy where each region benefits directly from revenue it generates. Funds freeway expansions, interchange upgrades, public transit enhancements, and local road repairs across 24 cities and towns.
2. Federal Transportation Funding: Funding through Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) providing $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure, including $350 billion for federal highway programs over five years (FY 2022-2026). Includes Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), CMAQ, FTA Formula Funds, and National Highway Freight Program.
3. State Transportation Funding: Funding through SB1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017), STIP, Regional Improvement Program (RIP), Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), State of Good Repair Program, and Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds including Local Transportation Fund (LTF) derived from one-quarter cent sales tax.
4. Toll Revenue: Revenue from SB Express Lanes network, including tolls from new I-10 Corridor Freight and Express Lane Project and I-15 express lanes extension. Revenue shared between San Bernardino and Riverside County as part of seamless 53-mile express lane network.
5. Development Impact Fees: Fees collected from developers requiring future development to pay fair share for transportation facilities as required by California Government Code 66000 et seq.

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SBCTA plans, funds, and delivers multi-modal transportation infrastructure and programs across San Bernardino County. Its core offerings include tolled express lanes (SB Express Lanes on I-10 and I-15), commuter rail services (Metrolink, Arrow DMU, and ZEMU hydrogen train), bus rapid transit (West Valley Connector), regional funding administration (Measure I sales tax, federal and state grants), and commuter services such as Freeway Service Patrol, Park & Ride lots, vanpool subsidies, and the IE511 traveler information system.

Product overview

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) operates as a government transportation authority managing a multi-modal transportation portfolio rather than a unified software product. The portfolio includes tolling infrastructure (SB Express Lanes on I-10 and I-15), rail transit (Metrolink service, Arrow DMU rail, and the ZEMU hydrogen train), bus transit systems (Omnitrans, VVTA, Mountain Transit), active transportation projects (West Valley Connector BRT, Highland/Redlands Connector), and commuter services (Park & Ride lots, Vanpool programs, Freeway Service Patrol, IE511 traffic information). These services are funded through Measure I local sales tax, state funding programs (SB1, TDA, STIP), and federal funding (FTA, FHWA).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Santa Fe Depot: Historic train depot location serving as SBCTA headquarters and transit center
• Measure I
• SB Express Lanes
• West Valley Connector BRT
• Arrow
• ZEMU (Zero-Emission Multiple Unit)

Products and services

• SB Express Lanes Toll-based express lanes network on I-10 and I-15 corridors providing congestion relief and faster travel options for commuters in San Bernardino County, with a 53-mile seamless network and transponder-based electronic billing.
• Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) Hydrogen Train North America's first federally compliant, self-powered, zero-emission hydrogen passenger train using hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity and producing only water vapor as exhaust, operating on Metrolink's Arrow corridor between San Bernardino Downtown Station and Redlands-University Station.
• Metrolink and Arrow Rail Service Commuter rail service connecting San Bernardino County to Los Angeles and Orange County through Metrolink, including the Arrow Diesel Multiple Unit service that extends service nine miles between San Bernardino and Redlands with four new stations.
• West Valley Connector (BRT) Bus Rapid Transit project providing high-capacity transit service connecting major activity centers in the western San Bernardino Valley.
• I-15 Corridor Freight and Express Lanes Project Major highway improvement project adding freight and express lanes to I-15, including an 8-mile extension as part of the SB Express Lanes network, with toll revenue shared between San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
• I-10 Corridor Freight and Express Lane Project Multi-phase highway improvement project adding express lanes along I-10 between Pepper Avenue and Interstate 15 interchange, with two-way tolling, road widening, bridge improvements, and access ramp upgrades.
• Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Roving tow truck service patrolling county freeways during peak commute hours to assist stranded motorists with battery jumps, tire changes, radiator refills, and minor repairs at no cost.
• Park & Ride Lots Free commuter parking facilities throughout San Bernardino County for carpool, vanpool, and transit connections, with select lots offering overnight parking permits.
• IE511 Traveler Information System Real-time traffic and mobility information system providing up-to-the-minute traffic updates, route planning, and alternative transportation options via phone (dial 511) and website (www.IE511.org).
• SB Loop Vanpool Program Vanpool subsidy program providing up to $600-$700 per month for zero-emission vanpools, serving commuters traveling to San Bernardino Valley, Mountains, Morongo Valley, or Colorado River Basin.
• VVTA Vanpool Program Victor Valley Transit Authority vanpool subsidy program providing up to $600 per month for vanpools serving Victor Valley and North Desert portions of the county.
• Measure I Funding Program San Bernardino County's half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements, first approved in 1989 and extended in 2004, reinvested locally through a return-to-source policy supporting freeway expansions, transit enhancements, and local road repairs.
• Highland/Redlands Regional Gap Connector Project Active transportation project supporting pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between Highland and Redlands, funded through the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee.
• Grant Assistance Program Central resource for member agencies to identify funding opportunities, request grant and technical assistance, and access tools to prepare competitive applications for transportation projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• First hydrogen passenger train in North America entered service September 13, 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Kapsch TrafficCommajorTechnology or Integration · 6 May 2026Contract awarded to expand SB Express Lanes network with 8-mile extension on I-15, involving relocation and integration of Riverside County Transportation Commission's tolling equipment. Part of seamless 53-mile express lane network.
• Sully-Miller Contracting Co. (Colas subsidiary)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 March 2026€264 million contract for 6.2-mile expansion of Interstate 10 between Pepper Avenue and I-15 interchange, adding express lanes in both directions with two-way tolling, road widening, bridge improvements, and access ramp upgrades. Construction April 2026 through fall 2029.
• StadlercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2025Built FLIRT H2 hydrogen-electric train at Stadler's facility in Switzerland. First hydrogen-powered train authorized for passenger service in the United States. Deployed on Metrolink's Arrow corridor as demonstration model for other U.S. transit agencies.
• MetrolinkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverned by Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), operates 8 stations in San Bernardino County. Operates Arrow service extending San Bernardino Line by 9 miles between San Bernardino and Redlands with 4 new stations.
• Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides bus and paratransit services in High Desert cities and unincorporated communities. VVTA implements Vanpool Subsidy Programs for Victor Valley and North Desert portions of the county.
• Riverside County Transportation CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint toll revenue sharing partner for SB Express Lanes network expansion. Toll revenue from new I-15 segment shared between San Bernardino and Riverside County.
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning partner providing guidance, identifying available funding, performing project evaluations, and developing prioritized project lists. SBCTA works through SCAG for regional transportation improvement program.
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner for transportation projects including State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) development, Interregional Improvement Program (IIP), and local assistance programs. Caltrans District 8 works directly with SBCTA.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG): Multi-county metropolitan planning organization covering six Southern California counties including San Bernardino; provides regional planning, funding guidance, and project prioritization that SBCTA integrates into its capital program — a higher-tier regional planning peer.

Direct peers

• Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA): High Desert transit operator funded by SBCTA, deploying hydrogen fuel cell buses and paratransit services; comparable in scope and funding relationship to Omnitrans, with a distinct rural/high-desert service profile.
• San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG): Regional planning agency combining COG and transportation authority functions in San Diego County — a structural peer in scope (planning + capital programming + TransNet sales tax) though operating in a different Southern California county.
• Omnitrans: Largest bus transit operator in San Bernardino Valley, directly funded by SBCTA; operates fixed-route, sbX BRT, and paratransit across 15 cities — a direct transit operator peer that depends on SBCTA capital and operating support.
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA): California county transportation authority with analogous responsibilities for sales-tax-funded freeway, transit, and active transportation programs, serving a similar mix of urban and suburban jurisdictions in Southern California.
• Riverside County Transportation Commission: Neighboring county transportation commission that shares toll revenue with SBCTA on the 53-mile I-15 express lane network and operates similar planning, funding, and express lane functions in Riverside County — a direct jurisdictional peer.
• Metrolink (Southern California Regional Rail Authority): Commuter rail operator that SBCTA co-funds and co-governs; Metrolink operates the Arrow corridor (with ZEMU hydrogen train) and connects San Bernardino County to LA, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties — directly comparable commuter rail peer.

Broad incumbents

• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro): Larger regional transportation authority operating rail, bus, BRT, and highway programs across Los Angeles County with Measure M/M sales tax funding — a broader incumbent peer given overlapping service territory and Metrolink/Arrow rail connectivity.
• Caltrans (California Department of Transportation): State DOT and core funding/coordination partner for SBCTA's highway and rail projects; Caltrans District 8 directly serves San Bernardino County — comparable in transportation planning and capital delivery, but at the state level.

Emerging players

• Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority: Single-purpose rail construction authority building the LA-to-Montclair light rail extension; SBCTA contributed $80M for the Pomona-to-Montclair segment — a narrowly scoped rail delivery peer with comparable project-based funding model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCosRnXWUaTmUBNkF0H0CixA
• Facebookfacebook.com/goSBCTA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sbcta
• Instagraminstagram.com/goSBCTA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Bernardino County Transportation Authority