California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

2005-06 – 2015-16 California State Rail Plan
In order to convert vehicle miles to energy use, the vehicle miles saved as a result
of use of State-supported intercity rail service in 2005 and 2016 were multiplied
by the average amount of energy use per vehicle mile, as expressed in British
Thermal Units (BTUs), for the average automobile in California. Next, the energy
use resulting from train miles to be operated by the three State-supported services
in 2005 and 2016 were converted to BTUs. The total amount of automobile
energy use saved due to the new train services was then compared directly to the
additional energy use generated by the increased train miles operated by the added
train services.
The vehicle miles saved for 2005 would have otherwise resulted in the
consumption of 12.3 million gallons of gasoline. Concurrently, the train miles
traveled in 2005 would result in the usage of diesel fuel equivalent to
6.8 million gallons of gasoline. The result is a net saving of 4.6 million gallons of
gasoline in 2005, or over 12,500 gallons of gasoline per day.
The increase in annual vehicle miles saved in 2016, as compared to 2005, would
result in saving an additional 8.9 million gallons of gasoline in 2016. Further, the
additional train miles traveled in 2016, compared to 2005, would result in the
usage of additional diesel fuel in 2016 equivalent to 2.7 million gallons of
gasoline. The result is a net saving of 6.2 million additional gallons of gasoline in
2016, compared to 2005, or a total of 10.8 million gallons of gasoline conserved
annually by 2016.
The Department’s energy efficiency goal is to save the State a net of almost
11 million gallons of gasoline annually by 2016 as a result of intercity rail
travel.
LAND USE
The Department supports efforts by cities, counties, and private developers to
promote transit-oriented development projects near Amtrak stations that enhance
community livability by providing housing options, jobs, retail, and services
within easy walking distance of the station. The following are examples of
Amtrak stations where transit-oriented development has recently occurred or is
planned.
Bakersfield – The new Bakersfield station opened to the public in July 2000.
The station, about one mile east of the former Bakersfield Amtrak stop, is much
closer to downtown in the heart of the civic center entertainment complex, which
includes the Bakersfield Convention Center and Centennial Garden Arena.
While downtown is on the northwest side of the station, a new development plan
calls for building an entertainment-retail complex called River Walk Plaza on
20 to 25 acres to the south of the station. Included in the proposal are an ice rink,
movie theater, other recreational facilities, retail, and office space. In addition,
construction is underway on 180 units of senior housing across the street from the
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