The Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study embodies the technical work necessary to implement future rail service in the region consistent with the goals outlined in the California State Rail Plan.
Specifically, the Study outlines the optimal options for: rail connectivity and operations, equipment needs, governance, and community benefits for future service in the region. The service scenarios developed in the Study relate to three corridors:
- Salinas to Santa Clara County,
- Monterey Peninsula to Santa Cruz, and
- Salinas to San Luis Obispo via southern Monterey County.
Implementation of service is organized in three time horizons: Initial Service (short-term), Phased Service (mid-term), and Vision Service (long-term). For each time horizon, the Study outlines service characteristics; defines infrastructure and train equipment requirements; provides cost and ridership estimates; assesses potential benefits; and provides recommendations regarding governance and funding and financing strategies.
This Study will 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 also intended to provide information to guide the TAMC Board of Directors in the next steps towards implementing rail projects in Monterey County connecting to the Central Coast and the Northern California megaregion.
The Rail Policy Committee and a stakeholder technical advisory committee provided input throughout the development of the Study. The Committees recommend TAMC Board approval of the Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study.
The final Network integration Study is available on the project website (web attachment 1). Web attachment 2 is the Executive Summary from the final Study.