RECEIVE update on the Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study.

The study will lay the groundwork for implementing the State Rail Plan in the Monterey Bay Area. Progress on the study since the last report to this Committee in February includes the fourth Network Advisory Committee meeting.

The study has a budget of $500,000, funded out of the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: $350,000 for consultant costs and $150,000 for staff and in-house costs.

The Network Integration Study focuses on determining the optimal options for: rail connectivity and operations, equipment needs, governance, and community benefits for service between Monterey County and Santa Clara County, Monterey and Santa Cruz, and the Coast Rail Corridor. This study will also assist TAMC by providing the data needed to prepare grant applications for funding new stations at Pajaro/Watsonville, Castroville, Soledad and King City.

Attached online is the following document for the Committee to review:

• Network Integration Study updated schedule. The benefits assessment memo is dependent on receiving a final ridership estimate from Caltrans, which is anticipated to be available for the Committee to review in May. The team is working on putting together the final memos into a draft study that is expected to be provided to the Committee and Board in May for feedback. The final study will be provided to the Committee and Board for adoption in June.

The fifth Network Advisory Committee meeting for TAMC’s Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study was held on February 22, 2021 via webinar. Staff will present a verbal update at the meeting.