The Monterey Bay Area Rail 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.
The study is intended to provide information for the TAMC Rail Policy Committee (RPC) to consider in recommendations to the TAMC Board of Directors as to next steps on implementing rail projects in Monterey County connecting to the Central Coast and the Northern California megaregion.
The draft Executive Summary is attached. The full draft study and relevant documents are posted to the project website (web attachment).The draft study is a compilation of the following memos discussed at RPC meetings and made available on the project website:
- Existing and Future Conditions
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Future Network Service Vision
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Public Sentiment Survey
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Fleet Strategy
Governance and Operations Models
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Cost Estimates
- Caltrans Ridership Estimates
- Funding, Financing, and Grants Strategies
- Benefits
After Board approval of the study for public review, staff will post in an online "open house" forum. Comments from the RPC and public will then be used to develop a final draft. The final draft Network Integration Study will be on the August 2, 2021 agenda for the RPC to consider a recommendation to the Board for adoption at its August 25 meeting.