RTC’s Current Policy on Rail Transit

Up until their meeting on April 1, 2021, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) had been committed to implementing a trail with transit on the corridor. This policy is part of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The draft 2045 RTP states, “Passenger Rail is included in this long-range plan, but on the financially unconstrained list of projects, due to the lack of identified and likelihood of available funding to the region for a passenger rail project.”

Due to a tie vote on April 1, 2021, the Commissioners failed to approve a motion for a Business Plan for Electric Passenger Rail and to direct staff to seek funding for environmental review of passenger rail. Following that vote, the RTC published a Statement Regarding Future Rail Transit Planning.  Here are highlights from the statement:

• Funding: “There are competitive state and federal funding sources for which the RTC could apply to receive. Although some operation and maintenance funding can come from future fares and concessions, a dedicated local fund source would be needed for the remaining cost, which is estimated to be about half of the total cost over a 30-year period.”
• Planning for rail transit: “RTC staff will always follow the decisions of the RTC. Based on the current position of the RTC, RTC staff is not currently undertaking or contemplating any rail transit planning activity. However, based on long-standing RTC policy and practice, RTC staff will continue to work to try to implement all projects in the RTC Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and inform the RTC of funding opportunities for such projects, including for rail transit.

We note the inconsistency here: RTC staff will not undertake rail planning activity, yet will work to implement projects in the RTP, which includes rail transit.

Interim trail    

The RTC approved adding the study of an interim trail alternative to the environmental review of segment #12 of the trail (Aptos) and the Capitola bridges segment. RTC staff are now proposing consideration of the  interim trail alternative for all portions of the corridor from the Boardwalk to Rio Del Mar. On portions of the corridor the rail track would be temporarily removed and a trail would be built on the rail line, on an interim basis, meaning, until such time as the line may be developed for transit. On portions of ample width, the tracks would remain in place and a trail constructed alongside. The interim trail plan depends on railbanking the corridor. See the RTC slide show on interim trail.