California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Plan33 percent less particulates than previously allowed. Tier 2 standards, which tookeffect January 1, 2005, required that passenger locomotives purchased after thatdate emit 35 percent less NOx and less than half the particulates than previouslyallowed.The State owns 17 locomotives (15 EMD F59 and two General Electric [GE]units) all of which were purchased before 2001. Although purchased before 2001the F59 locomotives were upgraded to Tier 0 before being required to do so.The two GE locomotives will be overhauled in early 2008 at which time they willbe brought up to Tier 0 standards. The F59 locomotives will receive Tier 2 enginekits for the main engines at their next overhaul. Overhauls are scheduled to beginduring the summer of 2008.Additionally, the Head End Power (HEP) units on the locomotives, whichgenerate electricity to supply power for lighting and utilities within the passengercars, are being updated. All F59 locomotives are scheduled to be equipped withAutomatic Start Stop (AESS) systems within the next two years. This systemreduces excessive engine idling resulting in reduced exhaust emissions and fuelsavings. To date five systems have been installed and preliminary analysis show amarked reduction in emissions and increased fuel savings.Intercity Rail Supports Smart Land UseThe Department continues to promote integrated land use and transportationwherever possible. The CTP makes note of the impacts of community planning ontravel behavior. In particular, in the past several decades factors such as lack ofcoordinated decision making between various community and governmentalbodies, zoning ordinances that tend to isolate employment and service activities,and urban sprawl have all negatively affected the economy, social equity andcommunity patterns. With continued increases in population and congestion,a viable transportation system tied to appropriate land use is of great benefit to theState.The Department supports efforts by cities, counties and the private sector todevelop and maintain transit-oriented development projects near Amtrak stationsthat enhance community livability by providing housing options, jobs, retail, andservices within easy walking distance of the station. The Department hasdeveloped and built a number of intercity station projects with integrated land useand transit linkages playing a prominent role. As well, substantial improvementsin parking have been made at intercity rail stations, often in partnership with localagencies.The following are examples of Amtrak stations where transit-orienteddevelopment has recently occurred or is planned: The Appendix provides acomplete list of Amtrak stations on the intercity passenger rail routes, anddescribes transit connections and mixed-use developments at the stations.14