California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Planthere is no excess capacity on this line, the addition of regularly scheduledpassenger service would have a detrimental impact the UP’s ability to providecompetitive freight rail service.However, the Department remains interested in extending San Joaquin rail serviceto Los Angeles. The San Joaquin Corridor Strategic Business Plan RFPmentioned above includes the study of: (1) extending one round-trip on anovernight schedule over the UP/Metrolink route to Los Angeles; and/or (2)extending one round-trip on a mid-day schedule over the UP/Metrolink route toLos Angeles; and (3) extension of the rail line south to the foot of the Grapevinewith new track, which, coupled with the extension of certain Pacific Surflinertrains from Los Angeles north to Santa Clarita on existing Metrolink track, wouldreduce the bus portion of a trip to just about an hour ride. The Departmentdecided to examine this last option as a potential alternative to use of the UP’s linebetween Bakersfield and Lancaster. Dependent upon the results of the study, theDepartment may proceed with plans to address the gap in rail service betweenBakersfield and Los Angeles.ROUTE ADMINISTRATIONThe State and Amtrak share responsibilities for operating the San Joaquins.The State funds the Route’s operation, Amtrak operates the trains, and theDepartment is responsible for the oversight of the San Joaquin service through itsoperating contract with Amtrak. The Department coordinates functions such asmarketing, scheduling, and on board services with Amtrak. The State owns allSan Joaquin equipment, while Amtrak maintains it. For a further description ofthe financial relationship between Amtrak and the State, see Chapter XI.SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RAIL COMMITTEEThe San Joaquin Valley Rail Committee consists of representatives from eachcounty served by the San Joaquin trains and other key counties served by feederbuses. Agency associate members represent Amtrak, CPUC, UP, BNSF,Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Southern California Association ofGovernments, and the Department. The committee is informed of all significantmatters affecting the San Joaquins. It provides valuable input to the Departmenton all aspects of the service. Section 14074.8 of the Government Code providesthat the committee may confer with the Secretary of the Business, Transportationand Housing Agency (BTH) to coordinate intercity passenger rail service for theSan Joaquin Corridor.ROUTE HISTORYTwo daily trains served the San Joaquin Valley immediately prior to May 1971when Amtrak was formed. Each train used a different route through the Valley,and was operated by a different railroad, with different destinations. SP operated114