California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter X – Potential New ServicesCHAPTER XPOTENTIAL NEW SERVICESThis Chapter contains a discussion on six potential intercity passenger rail routes,three of them proposed by the Department for service in the ten-year period.Figure 10A displays the six potential intercity passenger rail routes. Also, fourhigh-speed rail and magnetic levitation projects in California are discussed.Chapter IX discusses proposed extensions of existing commuter rail services aswell as proposed new commuter rail services.PROPOSED INTERCITY RAIL ROUTESThis section includes a description of the three new routes that the Departmentproposes for service in this ten-year plan. The routes are discussed in order ofpotential implementation by year: San Francisco to San Luis Obispo (andLos Angeles); Sacramento to Reno; and Sacramento to Redding. Included foreach route is a summary of current service to the area, recent studies of the route,and the Department’s current service proposal. The implementation of all newservice is subject to demonstrated ridership demand, approval from Amtrak andthe relevant railroad(s), availability of operating and capital funding andequipment, and completion of necessary capital projects.SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN LUIS OBISPO (AND LOS ANGELES) VIACOAST ROUTE (COAST DAYLIGHT)The extension of the Pacific Surfliners from San Luis Obispo to San Franciscowould close a key gap in the State-supported intercity rail system by providingdirect train service from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Regional transportationplanning agencies have led the planning for this extension and will continue toprovide an important role in the planning and operation of this extension.Twenty agencies along the corridor have passed “Resolutions of Support” for theextension.BackgroundCurrently only one daily round-trip Coast Starlight train connects Oakland andSan Jose with Los Angeles via the Coast with intermediate stops includingSalinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara on its route fromSeattle. Also two round trip Amtrak Thruway buses operate from San LuisObispo to San Francisco. Also, two buses run from Santa Barbara toSan Francisco. Ridership on this entire bus route was extremely good with 84,000in 2005-06.167