California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail PlanIn July 2003, the SJRRC became the designated owner, operator and policymakingbody of the ACE service in accordance with the Cooperative ServiceAgreement between the SJRRC, the ACCMA, and VTA, which superseded andrescinded the prior 1997 agreement. As the designated owner of the ACE service,the SJRRC took title to all of the assets and assumed the liabilities that werepreviously under ownership of the ACE Joint Powers Authority, which wasdissolved.The purpose of the Cooperative Services Agreement is to improve and expand theACE service and protect the interests of the three counties along the corridor.As part of this agreement, the SJRRC is required to provide a baseline three-trainservice to Santa Clara and Alameda Counties in return for a “capped”contribution.ROUTE AND SERVICE DESCRIPTIONACE operates Monday through Friday over 86 miles of track, providing threeround-trips between Stockton and San Jose during morning and evening peakperiods and one midday train operated in coordination with the Intercity AmtrakCalifornia San Joaquin service between Stockton and San Jose (see Figure 9H).The running time between Stockton and San Jose is approximately2 hours-10 minutes.ACE serves these stations: Stockton, Lathrop/Manteca, Tracy, Vasco, Livermore,Pleasanton, Fremont, Great America, Santa Clara, and San Jose. Free parking isavailable at all stations, except at the Santa Clara and San Jose stations wherethere is a daily fee of $1.50.FARE STRUCTUREThe ACE has five fare zones based on distance traveled. The system has a proofof-paymentsystem where riders must show proof of ticket purchase when asked todo so. Ticket types are one-way, round-trip, weekly, 20-ride, and monthly passes.The ACE is working with the CCJPA and the Department on a pilot program tointegrate service ideas and amenities common to both systems to control costs andbenefit passengers on both corridors. These efforts include a common globalpositioning system (GPS), joint automated ticketing, public address (PA)announcements, and electronic fare media at shared stations.CONNECTING SERVICESBus and rail transit connections and dedicated shuttles are an integral part of theACE system, providing a seamless commuting link between stations and riders’workplaces. All stations with the exception of the Tracy station have some formof connecting transit. In addition, three stations have direct connections to railservices. The Stockton station has connections to the San Joaquin Route trains.The Santa Clara-Great America station connects with Caltrain and the160