In 2018, MST completed the Monterey Bay Area Feasibility Study of Bus Operations on State Route 1 Shoulders and the Monterey Branch Line. The study analyzed seven alternatives and concluded that implementing a one-way bus rapid transit corridor on a segment of the Monterey Branch Line was the preferred option. At the August 6, 2018 Rail Policy Committee meeting, MST staff presented an overview of the feasibility study, including next steps.
MST hired Kimley-Horn for the environmental review and preliminary design phase of work (web attachment 1). On November 21, 2019, MST, TAMC and Kimley Horn met for a kick-off meeting for the SURF! project. During the kick-off the team discussed the history of the Monterey-Branch Line and former studies, funding of the SURF! project through Measure X, and the team began drafting overall project goals, which include:
- Provide a reliable alternative service for commuters and users to Highway 1
- Improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase transit ridership
- Reduce tire ware waste along the coastline
- Ensure minimized construction impacts to local recreational trails
- Minimize visual impacts through design
- Reduce vehicle miles traveled
- Provide a design that does not conflict and is consistent with future rail service, as well as other planned projects that may be further out
- Increase regional transit, walking and biking mode share
The kick-off meeting included discussion of the project segments. There are essentially three segments to the busway:
Segment 1 - Alignment prior to entrance to rail corridor (Marina Transit Exchange to Del Monte / Palm intersection in Marina)
Segment 2 - Alignment within existing rail corridor (Marina through Sand City)
Segment 3 - Final leg of alignment from California Avenue interchange to Contra Costa Ave
At the kick-off, MST, TAMC and the consultant began brainstorming on the scope of the environmental document, ideas for public outreach, and the SURF! project schedule (web attachment 2).
Data collection is underway along the rail corridor, and MST and TAMC are working to coordinate meetings with key stakeholders, such as the California Coastal Commission and State Parks.
TAMC and MST are also collaborating on a grant application for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program state funding to support future construction of the SURF! Busway. In December, TAMC's Board of Directors approved participation as a co-applicant for this grant. This application will be submitted in mid-January 2020.