Bakersfield Plans Major Transit and Rail Projects With Federal Review

The City of Bakersfield is currently reviewing its Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a policy initiative designed to serve as a long-term guide for safer, car-free travel across the region. This planning process aims to integrate new projects, programs, and policies that focus on accessibility and mobility for residents who rely on non-motorized transport options. The effort is part of a broader push to update how Bakersfield manages its infrastructure to better serve the needs of a growing population.

Complementing these efforts, the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) is actively developing the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). This plan is intended to update regional transportation policies, mobility strategies, and project prioritization for Bakersfield and its surrounding cities. For local residents, these policy shifts represent an attempt to balance limited infrastructure resources while addressing the need for a more interconnected transit network that links suburban areas with key employment and residential hubs.

Expanding Transit and Regional Connectivity

Public transit remains a central focus of these regional updates. The Metropolitan Bakersfield Moves report, finalized in June 2024, establishes a clear framework for the future of the Golden Empire Transit (GET) Bus system. The report outlines strategies to restore bus services to pre-pandemic levels of frequency and coverage. Furthermore, the plan proposes the long-term establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, a project intended to be developed through 2045 to improve transit efficiency and reduce travel times for daily commuters.

Bicycle infrastructure is also receiving renewed attention. Recent improvements in Bakersfield have concentrated on extending existing cycling routes into suburban neighborhoods and developing regional bikeways. These projects are intended to create better connectivity across Kern County, allowing for safer travel between different communities. By linking these disparate routes, city planners aim to offer residents more options for daily commuting, which can impact household transportation costs over time.

Federal Oversight and Regional Priorities

While local and regional planning continues, the status of major rail infrastructure faces new federal scrutiny. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has initiated a compliance and performance review regarding the California High-Speed Rail Authority's work on the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. This federal action follows reports of significant cost overruns and funding gaps associated with the project. For the region, this review creates uncertainty regarding the timeline and financial commitment for a project that has long been positioned as a key component of California’s future transportation network.

As these agencies move through their respective review and development stages, the primary goal for city and regional government remains the establishment of a cohesive transportation policy that addresses the current cost-of-living concerns of local residents. By prioritizing projects that provide tangible benefits to daily travel, authorities aim to ensure that regional infrastructure planning remains aligned with the practical needs of the community.