California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Planthe last arrival in Fresno from the south originates (by bus) in Los Angeles in themid afternoon, with a Pacific Surfliner connection that leaves San Diego at noon.Currently trains have to terminate and originate in Oakland because that is theonly layover facility on the Route. If there were a layover servicing facility inFresno, one or more trains could originate in Fresno earlier in the morning, withLos Angeles arrivals well before noon. In the other direction, it would be possibleto offer end-of-the-workday and/or early evening departures from Los Angeles ifthe equipment could terminate in Fresno instead of continuing on to the north lateat night. The Department is investigating possible locations for such a facility andincludes this project in its ten-year capital program.In addition to allowing improved scheduling opportunities for Fresno and thesouthern San Joaquin Valley, the Fresno layover facility would provideoperational cost savings. The first northbound train in the morning is very lightlypatronized out of Bakersfield, because of its early departure time (presently before5:00 a.m.). Originating that train in Fresno would eliminate about one hundredmiles of operating costs, while preserving service to the primary markets on thatschedule. Similarly, terminating the last southbound train in Fresno would savecosts and improve its efficiency.Passenger On-Board Wireless Internet Service - Wireless internet service isbecoming commonplace. The Capitol Corridor offered internet service inselected cars on a pilot basis, but the CCJPA did not continue the service becauseusage dropped off significantly when a fee was charged for the service. Also as aresult of the pilot, the CCJPA learned that the most effective system would haveboth passenger and train operating applications. The CCJPA is now working toimplement this system. The Department would like to add passenger on-boardwireless internet capabilities to the equipment assigned to the San Joaquins.However, this may not be possible unless the wireless system is linked to a morecomprehensive system-wide network involving operational applications(see below for more information).Automated Ticket Validation - Automated Ticket Validation is a wirelessapplication that can be implemented in advance of a full wireless network.It would improve customer service, operations, and safety. Rail passengers havebeen able to make reservations and purchase tickets over the internet for sometime, but the tickets purchased are traditional paper tickets and must be mailed tothe purchaser or picked up at an Amtrak ticket office prior to departure. Airlineswent one step farther and introduced “paperless” ticketing several years ago.A similar system for train travel would be much more convenient for passengers,particularly those boarding at small un-staffed stations along the route, because itwould eliminate the need to obtain actual paper tickets prior to traveling orpurchasing them on board.108