California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

CAPITAL PROGRAM FUNDINGThrough 2005, over $2.8 billion has either been invested or reserved for capitalfunding for California intercity rail passenger service. The State has providedabout 62 percent of the total. Local entities, the Federal government, Amtrak,and the private railroads have also made major contributions.However, adequate State funding is not projected to be available to fund theunconstrained capital program. The only ongoing capital funding source is alimited portion of the STIP. This is a major concern and the Department willcontinue to explore mechanisms for stable funding. Article XIX of the StateConstitution excludes rail equipment from State Highway Account (SHA)funding in the STIP.INTERCITY RAIL ROLLING STOCK PROGRAMThe State has an intercity rail rolling stock program unparalleled by any otherstate in the nation. The State owns its own fleet of 88 cars and 17 locomotivesand has spent over $300 million on equipment since the early 1990s withthe majority of funding from bonds. In addition to equipment procurement,the Equipment Program also includes warranty, rework, and modification ofprocured equipment; scheduled maintenance; heavy equipment overhaul;equipment modernization; inspection and safety monitoring; and rehabilitationof damaged equipment. The 2007-08 Budget Act provides $250 million inProposition 1B funds for rail car acquisition.RAIL-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGIMPROVEMENT AND SEPARATION PROGRAMSThe Department has a number of programs to improve safety at rail-highwaygrade crossings as well as improve rail and road operations. The newProposition 1B Highway-Railroad Crossing Program includes $250 million forimproving grade crossings and constructing grade separations. The 2007-08Budget Act includes $122.5 million for this program. The Federal Section 130Program focuses on improving safety and operations at grade crossings.The State Section 190 Program focuses on constructing grade separations.These programs combined receive, in general, approximately $35 million a yearin funds.Chapter III–Operations ProgramOPERATIONS PROGRAM GOALS• Provide cost-effective, operationally efficient service that meets or exceedsthe Department’s 50 percent farebox ratio standard.• Improve service access and attractiveness by making the service morepassenger friendly with amenities such as on-line ticket reservations andpayment, improved real-time passenger information and notification, andon-board internet access.• Provide safe, reliable, and convenient intercity rail and connecting Amtrakbus service with frequent service during business hours, and travel options4 Executive Summary California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18