Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Final Project Concept Report

The Commission received a presentation on the ero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Final Project Concept, and accepted the Final Project Concept Report. The report presents the project concept developed for the proposed implementation of a new daily passenger rail service and multi-use trail operating on the RTC-owned Branch Line corridor. The report also details the development and related background, analysis, assumptions, findings, and potential next steps. The next phase of the ZEPRT Project would be to complete preliminary engineering and environmental analysis. However, there is a $14 to $15 million funding gap for this work, and the work is on hold until additional funds are secured. The Commission also approved a Resolution of Support for future passenger rail and continued partnership with the Caltrans Division of Rail on Corridor Identification and Development, which aligns with the 2024 State Rail Plan.

Additionally, the Commission voted in favor of developing the Interim Trail (trail in place of existing tracks) for Coastal Rail Trail Segments 9-11 between the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz and State Park Drive in Aptos on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line while continuing long-term planning for future passenger rail on the line. This change is necessitated to reduce project costs and save significant grant funding for the Coastal Rail Trail, which otherwise would be eliminated or substantially reduced. The Commission directed staff to return within two months with a proposal to allow the construction of the Interim Trail without the need for adverse abandonment of the freight easement or railbanking. Staff were also directed to prepare the final design for and take any other actions needed to implement the Interim Trail on Coastal Rail Trail Projects as expeditiously as possible, and additionally requested that staff investigate a design alternative that does not require the removal of the tracks. Staff were also directed to pursue options to retrofit the Capitola Trestle for bicycle and pedestrian use either as part of the project already under development or as a separate future project.

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw