Back to 02/27/01 Agenda

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Agency approve the attached resolution indicating its support for passenger rail service extension from Sacramento to Redding, consistent with the final draft of the Rail Passenger Program Report prepared by Caltrans Rail Program.

SUMMARY

Caltrans has prepared a report indicating that rail passenger service may be feasible between Sacramento and Redding beginning in 2006.

DISCUSSION

AMTRAK currently operates a number of rail passenger trains throughout California. Examples of this train service include the Coast Starlight which goes through Redding daily. Other examples of service include the Capitols which runs between Sacramento and Oakland, and the Pacific Surfliner between San Diego and Santa Barbara.

Caltrans has recently prepared a report indicating that rail passenger service may become feasible between Sacramento and Redding in the year 2006. The scope of the service proposed in their report would be one daily trip extending the San Joaquin from Sacramento through Roseville and Chico, eventually terminating in Redding. No specifics are available at this time on the proposed schedule.

The purpose of approving the resolution is to simply indicate the Agency's support to Caltrans for this service. At this time this type of service is funded through the Public Transportation Account, and does not affect other major revenue streams available to the Shasta County region.

ALTERNATIVES

The Agency could choose to not approve the staff recommendation. This alternative would be recommended if the Agency does not support rail service extension to Redding.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Staff has met with Mr. John Hoeflich, a citizen advocate of rail passenger service. Staff would like to extend its appreciation to Mr. Hoeflich for keeping staff informed on this issue.

FINANCING

Adoption of the staff recommendation would have no impact on the Agency finances at this time.

Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer

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