Commuter Rail Extension Alternatives Analysis - Transportation ...

CALTRAIN EXTENSION TO MONTEREY COUNTYALTERNATIVES ANALYSISTAMC Regional Transportation Plan Implementation FrameworkThe RTP includes the Caltrain Extension elements in its constrained funding plan. This service isbased on the Extension of Caltrain Commuter Service to Monterey County Business Plan prepared inAugust 2000, and the Caltrain Extension to Monterey County Project Study Report dated February21, 2006. A Caltrain Extension to Monterey County Passenger Rail Stations Draft EnvironmentalImpact Report dated April 26, 2006 is currently being circulated for public review. A NationalEnvironmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment is also being finalized. TAMC intends toconstruct a commuter rail station in Pajaro and a commuter rail station in Castroville; renovate andexpand an existing passenger rail station in Salinas; and construct a layover facility for Caltraintrainsets in Salinas. TAMC also anticipates funding track, switch and signal improvements betweenSalinas and Gilroy in conjunction with UPRR. Initiation of service is targeted for late 2009/early 2010.Caltrain Project 2025The JPB has prepared a strategy for implementing the vision outlined in the Caltrain Strategic Plan.Dated November 30, 2006, the Project 2025 report identifies capital investments needed to supportfuture service expansions. Elements of this program are listed in Exhibit 2 along with capital costestimates. Three scenarios are listed in the table reflecting vehicle technology options. Total capitalcosts range from $2.076 billion to $3.041 billion, expressed in Year 2006 dollars. The Project 2025document does not include a funding plan.Proposed Extension of Caltrain Service to SalinasThe JPB currently operates 96 trains per weekday between San Jose (Diridon Station) and San Francisco.Six of these trains (three round trips) additionally operate between San Jose (Diridon Station)and Gilroy on weekdays. Prior to August 1, 2005, JPB operated four round trip trains to/from GilroyJPB has authorization to operate up to five round trip trains to/from Gilroy.As of December 15, 2004, VTA and UPRR concluded negotiations to allow for an increase from theallowed five round trips per day (to/from Gilroy) to 10 round trips. Service will be expanded whentrack improvements between San Jose and Gilroy are completed and when ridership warrants. Thetrack improvements involve 8.5 miles of double tracking, switches, signals, a bridge and gradecrossings.Trains serving Gilroy lay over at a small yard adjacent to the Gilroy Station. Trains layover duringevening hours, during which time they are cleaned and serviced. Up to five trainsets can beaccommodated currently—three in the yard, one on a tail track extension of the station track, and oneon the station track at the platform.Trainsets begin their weekday utilization in Gilroy, traveling to San Francisco. After this initial one-waytrip, trainsets operate between San Francisco and San Jose. Their final trip of the day ends at Gilroywhere the trains layover during the evening.Under the Caltrain Extension Alternative, existing Caltrain service to Gilroy would be extended toSalinas. Initially, two round trip trains would be operated on weekdays. As ridership warrants, servicewould be expanded to three round trips. As Caltrain service is restored to Gilroy (four round trips) andeventually expanded, service would be extended to Salinas as demand warrants.parsons CHAPTER 3: DETAILED DEFINITION OF ALTERNATIVES 55