MEETING REPORT
COAST RAIL COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Amtrak Office, Oakland
September 17, 2004
Reported by Russ Jackson
With five RailPAC members present we almost outnumbered the CRCC participants. However, the group held an active meeting of the group that is the guiding force behind the future Coast Daylight train that will run between downtown San Francisco's Caltrain station to Los Angeles Union Station. While the implementation of that train has been delayed by the state's budget situation, work continues on the necessary process.
- As background, the group heard a report from Amtrak's Liz O'Donoghue
about Amtrak's proposed Five-Year Plan. Much discussion of this plan has been
printed, so the full details of her report will not be repeated here. What
is important in the Plan for California and its Corridors is that all three
existing ones, Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, and San Joaquin qualify as
"Tier I" corridors for receiving funds when (and IF) they become available on a
new formula basis of 80% federal, 20% local match. An example of a Tier II
corridor would be Seattle to Vancouver (there is not any current participation
by Canada), while a Tier III example would be the proposed Sacramento to Reno
service.
The plan recognizes that "Host railroad performance capacity and infrastructure continues to deteriorate," and, "Amtrak's plant and equipment failures in the long term come from deferred investment and in the short term causes delays from reconstruction." While this plan is separated from the needs of the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor, the NEC obviously has the greatest need and priority for future funds. By bringing in the states in this manner a partnership will exist nationwide. Amtrak says "81% of all intercity passenger trips are under 500 miles," which accounts for its corridor emphasis. Amtrak believes it is making substantial headway in its financial focus and this plan looks ahead to correcting a basic need of inadequate capital funding. While that aspect has the full support of the participants in the CRCC meeting, a RED FLAG was the description of the Coast Line segment between Salinas and San Luis Obispo, now traveled only by the Coast Starlight, as "at risk for downgrading and/or abandonment" by the host railroad, the UP. While that is unlikely, that segment is a Tier II corridor as it receives little support from the state of California, and under the Plan the state would have to decide what it wants to buy with the new money, either equipment or trackwork, and priorities would have to be set. This led to a discussion of whether the state should own the Coast Line, and if so how much of it. Does that segment qualify as an "essential service," or provide "corridor connectivity" or both? The state believes it does. Also, should California receive credit in Plan allocations for its past capital investment? Amtrak is silent on that aspect. In any regard, nothing will happen with this Plan until next year and who knows what that Congress will find receptive?
- Other agenda items included a report on Ridership and Revenue on the
Coast Line. This summer the Coast Starlight has had numerous problems with on
time performance due to numerous UP freight interference and a fire in an
Oregon tunnel. That caused ridership and revenue to drop. Pacific Surfliners
have had some of their highest results in their history, however. Ridership on
the San Luis Obispo train continues high, but the Surf/Lompoc stop has
declined. Renewed effort there will be instituted.
As for the new Surfliner to be extended to San Luis Obispo, a mid-November startup is now anticipated. An agreement has been reached with the UP for a 7:30 AM departure from LAUS, and Metrolink has agreed in principle to swapping one of its Burbank Airport/Chatsworth turns to accommodate the new train as long as it makes those stops and honors Metrolink tickets. The startup date, believe it or not, is also dependent upon available dates for VIPs to ride the inaugural train! Meanwhile, Santa Barbara County is working on a proposal for commuter rail between Ventura and their city. They had hoped the schedule for the new train would permit commuter activity in that segment, but it will be arriving too late to help much.
- Progress toward implementation of the full route Coast Daylight was discussed, with many elements now in place. However, what must be done yet includes a capital Investment plan, which will result in a "Host Railroad sign-off," and of course a funding commitment for the state to cover the operating deficit. One aspect of the investment plan that was pointed out was that the $30 million amount designated for securing the two needed trainsets is based on old figures and should be increased to recognize today's costs. The grand total for the project is in the $100 million range.
- The UP has been moving as many as 8 daily freight trains from the San Joaquin Valley to the Coast line to help relieve congestion in the Valley, which has caused the Coast Starlight to be delayed on several days. More trains could be diverted in the coming months. Again it was pointed out that until the UP and other freight lines get their acts internally Amtrak will be powerless to influence much. However, Amtrak President David Gunn has said, "The host railroads must be on board" for any future plans. Rightfully so. So, future projects have been put on hold by these "hosts," and when their situation improves they will be more willing to talk improvements in passenger service. That doesn't mean, however, that Amtrak, Caltrans, or any other agency should just stand by. Work progresses.
- Monterey County reported it is making progress on its plan to provide service on the ex-SP branch from the Bay Area to Monterey. They now own the segment from Castroville to Monterey. The Transportation Agency for Monterey County has received 15 acres of Fort Ord to be used as the site for the train station and a future park and ride lot. TAMC will also be receiving a parcel that will permit trains to cross under Highway 1 to better serve Cal State Monterey Bay and future development on the east side of the highway. Local communities continue to oppose having the trains run through their properties, so the station is now planned for the Fort property. Also, the planned Caltrain extension from Gilroy to Salinas lost access to $19 million when the state announced that the voter-approved Prop 42 funds were not available for transportation projects. The statewide future of that money is in doubt into 2005
The next meeting of the CRCC will be January 21, 2005, in Pebble Beach. Personal note: This writer lived on the Central Coast in the 1990's and was delighted to be reacquainted with Mike Powers from Santa Barbara and Peter Rodgers from San Luis Obispo, who are devoted advocates for improved transportation and represent their counties on the CCRC.
