Bakersfield's public bus system has received a substantial boost with a $118 million state grant aimed at transforming the local transportation landscape. The grant includes funding for a range of improvements, notably the construction of 81 units of subsidized rental housing above the Downtown Transit Center. Former GET President and CEO, Michael Tree, who initiated the successful grant application, expressed optimism about the grant's impact on the community. The award also covers the acquisition of 18 hydrogen-fueled buses and a new refueling system after a fire incident. The project encompasses enhancements to bus services, shelters, and bicycle parking to enhance the overall transit experience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The housing project, reserved for low-income individuals, is expected to be completed by 2029 with additional funding sources. Local leaders and officials see the grant as a transformative investment that will benefit Bakersfield's residents by improving accessibility and public transit options, particularly in the urban core. The community anticipates a more modernized transit center and increased connectivity to various parts of the city, emphasizing the positive impact of the grant on public transportation and urban development.