RECEIVE update on the planned increase in passenger rail service along the coast corridor between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Progress since the last update to this Committee in March includes the kickoff of the Coast Rail Corridor Studies.

The Coast Rail service project construction and operation costs are still under evaluation.

The Coast Rail Coordinating Council is a multi-agency advisory and planning organization focused on improving the rail corridor between Los Angeles and the San Francisco bay area along the California Central Coast. Members of Council include all regional transportation planning agencies along the Central Coast – all of which have a strong interest in improving rail service and the rail infrastructure along the Central Coast’s portion of the California Coast Passenger Rail Corridor. In light of recent events, CRCC working group and policy meetings and activities are on hold until there is a clear path forward for progress; they anticipate a meeting, either in person or virtual, by early Summer.

On March 27, 2020, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments held the Technical Kickoff Meeting and Outreach Immersion Meeting for the Coast Rail Corridor Studies. Those studies are defined as follows:

1. Service Implementation Plan: phased implementation plan for increasing the frequency of intercity rail service between Goleta and Salinas and achieving an integrated intercity rail and bus system through the Central Coast area consistent with the 2018 California State Rail Plan. The study will evaluate and recommend potential options for rail operations/ schedules, integrated intercity bus/rail service, local transit connectivity, infrastructure improvement needs, equipment needs, and governance.
2. Passenger Rail Improvement Study: comprehensive study of potential commuter rail feasibility and options – looking at technology options, service options, potential ridership, conceptual capital and operating costs, and plausible funding possibilities – with the objective of developing a feasible and realistic phased strategy for implementing commuter rail in the region.

The anticipated timeline for these studies is to have drafts for circulation to partner and stakeholder agencies in January (Service Implementation Plan) and March (Passenger Rail Study) 2021.