Commuter Rail Extension Alternatives Analysis - Transportation ...

CALTRAIN EXTENSION TO MONTEREY COUNTYALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS• Providing a midday train for ACE riders who need a half-day work trip, or need to get home forvarious appointments (medical/dental, parent-teacher conferences, children’s sports events,family activities, etc.) and for special group destinations that are more conducive to a half-daytrip.• Providing a morning/midday/evening alternative to Interstate 205 during the constructionwidening project scheduled to begin in late Spring 2006. Motorists would be advised of theACE train alternative via advertising efforts and the changeable message signs throughout theconstruction zone.• Providing a “train-to-train” connection to the San Joaquin Intercity Rail Service, as asubstitution for the current bus between Stockton and San Jose, allowing broader connectivityand marketing activities. (ACE and Caltrans currently share the costs of a midday bus alongthe ACE route between Stockton and San Jose.)In the event that the new time slot does not provide the benefits to the highway constructionmitigation program or is not well-utilized by the Amtrak San Joaquin Intercity Rail Service passengersor the ACE one-half day commuters, the Rail Commission will consider moving the train to a peakcommuter slot.Beyond this recent expansion, the Regional Rail Commission is keenly aware of the need to expandthe existing ACE service and to improve the quality of service to ACE’s passengers. To this end, theCommission is undertaking a study to identify:1. A short term (i.e., 1–5 years) action plan to improve and increase ACE service betweenStockton and San Jose.2. A longer term (i.e., 6–10 years) action plan to improve and increase ACE service betweenStockton and San Jose.3. An action plan detailing the steps that will need to be taken to improve the ACE–BARTconnection at Pleasanton.Results of this study are currently being discussed at the public meetings being held in four corridorcities. Short term and long term proposals include the following:• Completing train signal improvements• Adding train dispatching staff• Creating a dedicated UPRR maintenance gang for the ACE corridor• Repairing slides in the Altamont pass• Making drainage improvements in Niles Canyon• Making improvements at the BNSF crossing• Increasing speed in curves (unbalanced superelevation)• Developing a dedicated corridor for ACE service• Constructing tunnels in the Altamont Pass and Niles Canyon• Constructing a flyover at the BNSF tracking crossingThese proposed improvements demonstrate the commitment of the San Joaquin Regional RailCommission to upgrading ACE service and the importance of commuter rail service within the overallBay Area and surrounding county regional network of mobility options.parsons CHAPTER 2: EXISTING AND FORECAST CONDITIONS 46