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An Urgent Need for Action

​Congestion and carbon emissions in the county are growing. The need for improved north-south transportation and increased transit use is critical. Using the corridor for an integrated public transportation service is the only avenue available to address so many needs simultaneously:  

• Reduce commute times and stress 
• Expand public transit that seamlessly integrates with all transportation options
• Provide safe and reliable alternatives to automobile use 
• Enhance healthy active transportation modes (walk, bike, skate, etc.) 
• Make real and sustained progress in the fight to reduce global warming 
• Create a more equitable and economically vibrant community

Powerful currents are flowing together

​to make this vision attainable

Safe Streets Initiatives
Safety is fundamental to our communities’ willingness to adapt alternative approaches to mobility. Access to our new Rail Trail segments, in addition to our county-wide investments in safe streets initiatives, address safety concerns for pedestrians and riders of all levels. 

Expanding First Mile / Last Mile Mobility Options
New forms of personal transport including eBikes and eScooters make it possible for more people to use these for short trips. New sharing platforms make them more accessible, and reduce cost barriers, concerns about security, and the necessity of round trips. Integrating these with an easy roll on / roll off experience with light rail expands public transport adoption and reduces our dependencies on automobiles. 

CA State Rail Plan 
The $144B plan represents a strong commitment to shift miles traveled from highway to railways as part of our planned 80% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. Passenger rail on our branch line is an integral part of this plan with specific line item funding. An integrated rail & transit network is expected to achieve a world class 15-20% share of all passenger miles in California by 2040. 

New Rail Technology 
Rail is already recognized as the most efficient mode of transit. Electrified trains using zero emission power from a growing supply of clean alternative sources make rail even greener. These trains are also lighter, reducing loads and maintenance on infrastructure. Finally, these trains are quieter reducing impact in neighborhoods adjacent to rail lines. ​

Early 2021: The Choice Is Ours ​

• The conclusion of the 2018 Unified Corridor Study (UCS) found that a rail solution was the best overall option for the corridor.  After the release of the study,  the Regional Transportation Commission voted to build the trail and keep the rail for a high capacity transit solution. As part of this process, the RTC also commissioned a more detailed study, the Alternative Analysis, to examine rail service vs bus service in the corridor.  

• We believe that rail transit is the only choice that supports the foundation of a truly integrated multi-modal system - a rail and trail spine that is immune to traffic congestion and that serves and is served by both pulsed bus service and improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

• Rail is projected to increase transit ridership and associated revenue, representing a win for our community and a more viable future for local public transportation.