California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail PlanSan Diego-Los Angeles Express ServiceThe Department is evaluating options for implementing express service betweenSan Diego and Los Angeles. Express service would include timed transfers withMetrolink and Coaster commuter services at a limited number of express stops. Inorder for this service to be successful, it would have to receive prioritydispatching.RIDERSHIP, REVENUE, AND FAREBOX RATIOThe Department’s goals for ridership, revenue and farebox ratio will be achievedthrough the capital, operational, and service improvements and service expansionsdiscussed in this Chapter as well as Chapters II, III, and IV. They are as follows:• Increase annual ridership 51 percent from 2,698,000 to 4,061,000.• Increase annual revenues 94 percent from $34,500,000 to $67,000,000 forthe State-supported portion of the Route.• Increase revenue/cost (farebox) ratio from 61.7 percent to 68.2 percent.TEN-YEAR TRAIN SERVICE EXPANSION PLANSINCREASED SERVICE FREQUENCIESThe Department anticipates that within the next ten years there will be sufficientdemand to support 13 round-trips on the Pacific Surfliners between San Diego andLos Angeles.The Department proposes that expansion of the Pacific Surfliner frequencies occuron the following timetable:2011-12 Los Angeles-San Diego, twelfth round-trip.2013-14 Los Angeles-Goleta, sixth round-trip.2013-14 Goleta-San Luis Obispo, third round-trip.2014-15 Los Angeles-San Diego, thirteenth round-trip.It is important to note that the above start-up dates for service are based only onprojected service needs. Demonstrated ridership demand, approval from Amtrakand the host railroads, availability of equipment, funding and construction ofnecessary capital projects, and provision of additional operating funds will affectwhen each of the service expansions actually can be implemented.SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN LUIS OBISPO (AND LOS ANGELES)EXTENSIONThe extension of the Pacific Surfliners from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco viathe Coast Route would close a key gap in the State-supported intercity rail systemby providing direct train service from San Francisco to Los Angeles.96