Issues
Current Issues
Here is a list of the items most recently posted pertaining to current issues.
Overall Goals
RailPAC is working with Caltrans, Amtrak, and all agencies involved in achieving the following goals for expanding and extending safe, reliable rail passenger service. We support adequate funding for these services and vigorous promotion of them so they may achieve economic stability through increased ticket sales.
In California We are involved in explaining the advantages of, and potential issues surrounding, current proposals: (see map below)
Expanding Regional Rail service in Southern California, by making Metrolink and Coaster a coordinated 7 day a week, all day operation
Adding run through tracks to Los Angeles Union Station, the hub of the Southern California system, to accommodate more trains, run “cross town” services, and reduce trip times
Extending Southern California Regional Express Service to Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and eventually to Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, and extending commuter service to Santa Barbara
Extending the Surfliner Corridor to downtown San Francisco by starting the long planned Coast Daylight train
Expanding Regional Rail service in Northern California with added service in the Capitol Corridor, linking Monterey, Redding, and Reno, NV into an integrated network, and coordinating.service at Fremont with the Capitols, ACE, BART, and Caltrain with the reopening of the Dumbarton Bridge
Joining the Northern and Southern California Regional Systems with a High-Speed Line, starting incrementally with an extension of San Joaquin trains across Tehachapi to Los Angeles
Establishing the SMART commuter project in Marin and Sonoma Counties
Expanding Caltrain to Salinas, and electrifying the entire line
Providing light rail and bus transit links to provide true door-to-door service, ensuring systems are fully accessible for the physically challenged, having simplified ticketing arrangements, “one ticket per trip”
The Amtrak national system RailPAC advocates continue to support the following goals for improving the Amtrak system of long distance trains that enter/leave California (see map below)
Accelerated repair of the many Superliner cars deadlined at Beech Grove, Indiana
Improved Amtrak accounting cost allocations by replacing its RPS model procedures, and we support the passage of SB 294, the Amtrak reauthorization bill
Expansion, improved on time performance, and vigorous promotion of long distance intercity service:
Extend California Zephyr to Los Angeles overnight via the Coast line providng a rolling hotel
Accelerate return of upgraded amenities to the Coast Starlight and provide them to all trains
DAILY service for the Sunset Limited, resuming its extension to Jacksonville, and returnng to Phoenix
Resumption of the Desert Wind service from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and Chicago
Map courtesy Caltrans
