California's capital aims to ensure transit options keep pace with recent growth

The capital region of Sacramento, California, has expanded its transit options to better accommodate the rising number of travelers in the region.

Sacramento is one of the state’s fastest-growing urban areas. Its population has increased by 4.5 percent from April 2010 to July 2014, as reported by the U.S. Census. Sacramento also has one of the highest rates of job growth, which rose by 5.5 percent from 2012 to 2013.

These signs of growth are positive for the area, but regional leaders also realize that this means there will be more commuters and more congestion. This is why the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) has been working quickly to better serve commuters in the area.

As part of the improvements, the RT has opened Sacramento’s Blue Line light rail extension. This line travels from Meadowview Road to Consumnes River College (CRC). The expansion will increase transit options for commuters who travel from downtown Sacramento to the expanding South Sacramento corridor.

The new Blue Line runs for 4.3 miles and provides local commuters with an additional way to travel the route that runs along Highway 99, which is frequently congested. The new line allows travelers, which includes staff, students and faculty at CRC, to avoid the congestion.