California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

MAGNETIC LEVITATION
Southern California Maglev Project
The Southern California Maglev Project’s initial operating segment that is under
development extends 54 miles from West Los Angeles to the Ontario Airport. The
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the project sponsor.
Additional feasibility studies are focusing on other heavily congested corridors in the
SCAG region.
Las Vegas–Anaheim Maglev Project
The California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission was formed in 1988 to promote
the development of a 269-mile maglev system connecting Las Vegas with Anaheim, and
has completed several feasibility studies on this project. With Federal funding, Nevada is
undertaking environmental studies of this proposed maglev route.
Chapter XI–Amtrak
AMTRAK STATE–SUPPORTED SERVICE
The Federal Rail Passenger Service Act authorizes Amtrak to operate intercity rail
passenger service beyond its basic system services when requested to do so by a state,
group of states, or a regional or local agency. In California, Amtrak operates the
Pacific Surfliners, San Joaquins, and the Capitol Corridor and the Department provides
operating funding. The Department directly administers the Pacific Surfliners and San
Joaquins. Since July 1998, the CCJPA has administered the Capitol Corridor service
under an interagency transfer agreement with the State.
AMTRAK PLANNING
In April 2005, Amtrak released its Amtrak Strategic Reform Initiatives and FY 06 Grant
Request. This document included comprehensive reform initiatives the railroad is
undertaking as corporate actions and others it intends to pursue in legislative actions
to “revitalize U.S. passenger rail service.” Legislative initiatives included an 80 percent
Federal/20 percent state capital grant program and competition among operators,
including Amtrak for route operation. Amtrak’s 2004 Strategic Business Plan released in
June 2004, includes $90.1 million for projects which impact California, of which
$41.5 million is for projects wholly in California and $48.6 million is for multi-state
projects that partially impact California.
AMTRAK FFY 2006 FEDERAL FUNDING
In late November, 2005, the President signed the Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill for FFY 06. It includes $1.315 billion in funding for Amtrak.
14 Executive Summary California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16