South Shore bus riders will benefit from some of the nearly $250 million Caltrans gave out this week to improve public transit and air quality across California.

One-hundred twenty-seven projects were awarded funds to upgrade transit services, purchase eco-friendly buses, modernize transit stations and create jobs throughout the state.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was awarded $1.3 million to modernize bus facilities, install fare boxes and purchase buses.

Placer County Department of Public Works was awarded $2.2 million to purchase buses.

The funding comes from Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, which is providing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period to improve public transit in California.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report