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Project Overview

The Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) project is identifying feasible project concepts and solutions to better support diverse transportation needs, safe access, and connection to the populated areas of Santa Cruz County and provide bicycle and pedestrian linkages.

Proposed Project

The ZEPRT project proposes new passenger rail service and stations on approximately 22 miles of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (SCBRL) from the city of Santa Cruz in the north to Pajaro, just south of Watsonville. The project also proposes to develop 12 miles of Coastal Rail Trail: Segments 13-20 from Rio del Mar Boulevard through the community of La Selva Beach and the city of Watsonville, as well as the Capitola Trestle reach (Segment 11, Phase 2).

Project Benefits

  • forward moving clock
    High-capacity rail service and stations will reduce travel times and improve transit system reliability
  • people network
    Connects the most populated areas of Santa Cruz County to the California State Rail Network
  • shopping bags
    Improves transit connections to community activity centers supporting the local economy and providing better access between housing and jobs
  • person walking dog
    Provides 12 miles of new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and safety
  • schoolhouse
    Passes within 1 mile of more than 90 parks, 40 schools, and approximately half of the county's population
  • CO2 Cloud with down arrow
    Reduces vehicle miles traveled and associated greenhouse gas emissions
A project map showing the proposed alignment of the proposed rail service and portions of the proposed Coastal Rail Trail Segments associated with this project (Trail Segments 13-20 and Segment 11, Phase 2).

Click to enlarge

The project builds on studies previously completed by the RTC, including the Rail Transit Feasibility Study in 2015 and the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis & Rail Network Integration Study in 2021, which identified a locally preferred alternative for Electric Passenger Rail. The project name has been changed to allow the project to explore other existing and emerging technologies in addition to electrification that will also achieve the goal of zero emissions.

Connectivity to Regional Rail and Trail Networks

The project aims to take advantage of the publicly owned rail right-of-way to provide passenger rail service and the Coastal Rail Trail to connect the most populated areas of Santa Cruz County to each other and to the greater region as well as to provide an integrated intercity travel option for riders on the Central Coast.

California State Rail Plan

In alignment with the California State Rail Plan, the proposed project would be integrated into the statewide rail and transit network that provides comprehensive and coordinated service to passengers.

Image of a map showing the Northern California Integrated Rail Network from the 2018 California State Rail Plan. Rail network services shown include High Speed Rail, Intercity Rail, Regional Rail, and Supplemental Connectivity.

Click to enlarge

Coastal Rail Trail

Included in this project are 12 miles of Coastal Rail Trail: Segments 13-20 from Rio del Mar Boulevard through the community of La Selva Beach and the city of Watsonville, as well as the Capitola Trestle reach (Segment 11, Phase 2).

The below map shows the status of Coastal Rail Trail projects, many of which are being implemented by others as separate projects along the SCBRL.

Coastal Rail Map

Click to enlarge

    From west to east:

  • Segment 5 from Davenport to Wilder Ranch - Under Construction
  • Existing Wilder Ranch Path
  • Segment 7 from Natural Bridge Drive to Pacific Avenue/Santa Cruz Wharf and San Lorenzo River Bridge - Partly completed and the rest under construction
  • Segments 8 & 9 from Santa Cruz Wharf to 17th Avenue - Construction is funded
  • Segments 10 & 11 from 17th Avenue to State Park Drive, including Capitola Trestle - Construction is funded
  • Segment 12 from State Park Drive to Rio del Mar Boulevard - Under Development
  • Proposed Project, Segments 11 (Phase 2) and 13 to 20
  • Segment 18 from Lee Road to Walk Street in Pajaro Junction is partly completed

Approach to Ridership Modeling

Transit ridership forecasting is the process of estimating future usage of public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, subways and ferries. This forecasting is crucial for planning and decision-making. Effective transit ridership forecasting helps ensure that public transit systems are well-positioned to meet future demands and adapt to changing conditions, ultimately supporting better transportation planning and improved service for users.

Modeling Tools

There are three different types of models typically used for transit ridership:

  • 1

    Regional Travel Demand Model

    • Estimates travel patterns on roadways and transit, such as the Santa Cruz County (SCC) Model developed and overseen by the Associaton of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG)
  • 2

    Direct Ridership Model (DRM)

    • Custom-built and statistical using transit-specific characteristics that can be used independently or combined with other modeling tools
  • 3

    Simplified Trips-on-Project Software Model (STOPS)

    • Transit-focused, developed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and required for projects applying for federal transit finding that provides an apples-to-apples comparison for FTA to compare transit projects around the country and focuses primarily on commute travel

Model Approaches Strengths/Weaknesses

For the ZEPRT project, RTC has evaluated two approaches using a combination of the three types of models described to the left. Generally, the model approaches have similar strengths and weaknesses with a main distinction being getting buy-in from FTA on the project's modeling approach.

Factors SCC Model + DRM STOPS + Adjustments
Regional context High High
Non-commuter trip applicability Medium Low to Medium
Complementary and competing modes Medium to High Medium to High
Geographically detailed station area context High High
Transit network and service plan High High
Parking supply and pricing Medium Low
Weekend and seasonal travel Medium Low to Medium
Transit focus High High
FTA buy-in N/A High
Level of effort Medium to High Medium

Recommended Approach

Based on the comparison, the project team is recommending a methodology that uses the SCC Model and a DRM for forecasting ridership. The DRM would help refine the big-picture findings of the regional model and combine the best of both tools.

Learn more

To learn more about the project's ridership modeling approach, view a recording of our Informational Community Session from October 28, 2024, which explains more about the different ridership models considered and how they will be applied.

Additional Considerations

The project team has developed models to determine initial ridership projections based on publicly available data and previous planning efforts such as the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis (TCAA), which was accepted by the RTC Commission in February 2021. The team will then adjust the results based on community information that has been gathered over the past several months from stakeholder meetings.

Did You Know?

Community stakeholders have shared the following information that the project team is incorporating into ridership modeling.

Conceptual Alignment & Stations

Several station locations are being considered and evaluated, including those that could be serviced seasonally to provide beach access, those requested from community input, those that were identified in the TCAA process, and infill/optional stations. Based on community feedback received during Milestone 2 in summer 2024, the potential station mix was adjusted, and refinement of the rail and trail alignment is ongoing.

Alignment Updates

The project conceptual alignments have been refined and updated since first presented in Milestone 2. Several areas where significant refinements have occurred are presented and discussed below.

Beach Street/Boardwalk Alignment Options

Four alternatives are being presented and include two aerial (elevated) options and two at-grade options. The alternatives follow a similar alignment along Beach Street west of Cliff Street, but shift the alignment northward for the segment in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Two of the alternatives adjust the alignment over the San Lorenzo River so that the tracks are to the north of the log ride.

Proposed Alignment Maps

Trail Segments 13-18 Options

  • Exploring options to advance Segment 18 Coastal Rail Trail environmental document separately (and faster) from the ZEPRT project
  • Developing alignment options for the trail (or portions thereof) along West Beach Street
  • Looking at two alternatives along Sumner Avenue to move the trail off the rail right-of-way to be located adjacent to the roadway
Proposed Alignment Maps

Jade Street Park, Capitola Trail Alternatives

Three alignment alternatives are being evaluated for the area from approximately 30th Avenue to Jade Street Park where there are existing right-of-way constraints. Two options would route the trail away from the rail alignment for portions of this area. The third option would keep the trail adjacent to the rail alignment through areas of the corridor where existing right-of-way width is insufficient to meet current minimum design widths for both the trail and rail facilities.

Proposed Alignment Maps

Cabrillo Station Location

Developing station location and alignment options near Cabrillo College:

  • At-grade Cabrillo Station platform adjacent to New Brighton Road and in existing rail right-of-way with minor alignment shift
  • At-grade Cabrillo Station platform south of McGregor Drive with rail alignment shift outside the existing right-of-way
  • Elevated Cabrillo Station platform between McGregor Drive and Hwy 1 with rail alignment shift outside the existing right-of-way
Proposed Alignment Maps

Milestone 2 Conceptual Alignment Strip Maps

The full set of Conceptual Alignment Strip maps that were presented during Milestone 2 in summer 2024 are archived below.

Project Area Map

The map below includes proposed Segment 17 and 18 trail alignment options. Station locations are identified with the colored dots. Please refer to these potential station locations to respond to the questions below.

Project Area Map showing proposed rail service from Santa Cruz to Watsonville, with adjacent coastal rail trail from Rio del Mar to Watsonville

Click to enlarge

Share your Thoughts on Station Locations

Final station locations will be determined based on ridership, railroad operations and safety, site access, transit/community connectivity and equity, engineering feasibility, and consideration of adjacent uses. Your input will be considered as we continue to move through the evaluation process.

Milestone 2 Conceptual Alignment Strip Maps (Summer 2024)

Below are links to the conceptual alignment strip maps that were presented during Milestone 2 in summer 2024. Final station locations will be determined based on ridership, railroad operations and safety, site access, transit/community connectivity and equity, engineering feasibility, environmental impacts and consideration of adjacent uses. Alignment alternatives presented are also subject to change based on community feedback. The full set of maps will be updated for review at Milestone 4 in early 2025.

Potential Station Features

Station design will vary by location based on available space and ridership projections. In some places, a station may be a simple platform for boarding. In other locations, stations could include more features such as a shade structure, parking, etc.

Amenities

Minimal station design and amenities

  • 350 foot long platforms*
  • 16 foot wide minimum for side platforms
  • 30 foot wide minimum for center platforms
  • 24-48 inch high platform (from top of rail, depends on vehicle type)
  • ADA accessibility
  • Safety and security features

*In order to operate the type of service and vehicles we anticipate in the corridor, the station platform will need to be approximately 350 feet long on a straight segment of track.

Side Platform

Center Platform

Potential Additional station amenities

Shelter

Parking

Ticket Vending

Bicycle Parking

Seating

Kiss and Ride

Wayfinding/Public Information

Connections to Coastal Rail Trail

Quiet Zones

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and California Public Utilities Commission require train operators to use the horn up to a quarter-mile from a crossing to signal their approach, then hold the horn through the crossing. In a quiet zone, trains are no longer required to always blow their horn at crossings.

FAQ

Alternative safety measures are put in place as a substitute for the sounding of the train horn. Safety measures may include gates, flashing lights, road modifications such as medians, and additional signage.

The creation and responsibility of a quiet zone falls with the local jurisdiction. RTC could partner with local cities/county, but the local jurisdiction is ultimately responsible for the application and legal responsibility of quiet zones.

Funding is determined on a case-by-case basis and costs can be paid by a project or the quiet zone applicant. Other noise mitigation measures (such as a sound wall) may be determined to be more affordable and effective.

The review of the need for a quiet zone is most timely during the environmental review process when noise impacts are analyzed and mitigation options considered. RTC will continue to consider noise impacts from the project design and a full analysis will be conducted during the project's environmental review.

Safety Measure Examples

Active warning and/or traffic control devices

Median, gate and flashing lights

Additional signage

Pedestrian channelization, gates and signage

Funding & Service

The ZEPRT project will require multiple funding sources to complete preliminary engineering, construction as well as operations and maintenance. Funding major capital programs often involves a combination of discretionary funding sources at the federal, state and local levels. The key federal funding partners are the FRA and the FTA.

Maximizing Eligibility for State and Federal Funds

While many federal grants offer a maximum contribution of up to 80%, oversubscribed discretionary programs require federal agencies to distribute amounts less than what was requested. Many current state and federal funding programs are oriented towards identifying and developing new or improved intercity passenger rail services. The Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line is envisioned in California's State Rail Plan and the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which helps facilitate the development of new or improved intercity passenger rail service in the United States.

Aligning the Santa Cruz Branch Line passenger rail service plan with the State Rail Plan would maximize funding eligibility and technical support through state and federal programs. The Corridor ID Program is the necessary precursor to future FRA funding through the Federal-State Partnership (FSP) program. California, through state programs such as the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) and Local Partnership Program (LPP), provides a competitive advantage to grant recipients who are also leveraging federal dollars. The FTA also provides funding for new rail infrastructure. Through its Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program, the FTA provides competitive discretionary grants that typically fund no more than 50% of the cost of a project.

FRA

Federal funding is about 80%, State funding is about 20%
  • GreenFederal
  • BlueState/Local

FTA

Federal funding is about 50%, State funding is about 50%

Service Types & Funding Eligibility from Different Funding Agencies

Locomotive Hauled Trains

  • FRA Is Eligible
  • FTA Is Eligible

Multiple Unit Trains

  • FRA Is Eligible
  • FTA Is Eligible

Light Rail Vehicles

  • FRA Is Not Eligible
  • FTA Is Eligible

Learn more

To learn more about project funding and service type, view a recording of our Informational Community Session from October 23, 2024, that includes a presentation by Caltrans on the Corridor ID Program.

Bridge Infrastructure

The project team has inspected 23 existing railroad bridges along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line to determine if they can accommodate regular passenger and freight rail service.

Bridge Inspections

The purpose of the bridge inspections was to evaluate the existing bridges based on existing conditions, rated capacity and functionality, which considers the existing bridge with respect to other surrounding facilities within the rail or roadway alignment. The inspection information will allow RTC to determine which bridges can be kept, maintained and/or rehabilitated or if they will require replacement.

For several locations, further consideration of functionality will determine plans for replacement. The functionality review for these locations will consider roadway vertical and horizontal clearances underneath existing railroad bridges, needs for future sidewalks, bike lanes, increased shoulder width, and lane widenings or additions.

For any replacement, bridges will be considered with criteria for coastal resiliency. The next step will be for RTC to consider initial recommendations for each existing bridge.

Learn more

Additional information will made available related to which bridges may be slated for repair, rehabilitation or replacement. Check back for further details.

Notable Bridges Being Further Evaluated for Functionality

  • BR 12.39 Over Soquel Drive Open deck steel plate girder span over roadway
  • BR 12.71b Over Soquel Drive Open deck steel thru-plate girder span over roadway

Project Schedule

The Project Concept Report is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025 and will define, evaluate, and develop a project build concept to be advanced into subsequent tasks.

Concept Report Milestones

Key milestones for this phase of work include developing a Project Description and Preliminary Purpose and Need Statement, developing preliminary rail and trail conceptual alignments through a process of conceptual alternatives analysis and environmental screening, refining the conceptual alignments into one preferred build concept, and preparing the draft and final Project Concept Report.

Throughout these activities, meaningful, proactive, and focused public and stakeholder outreach will occur, including several virtual and in-person public workshops and open house meetings.

Image shows a timeline of milestones and engagement opportunities for the development of the Project Concept Report. Milestones include the Winter 2024 milestone with the Preliminary Purpose and Need and project look ahead. The current Summer 2024 milestones include conceptual alignments and zero emission vehicle types. In Fall 2024, milestones include refined conceptual alignment and facility and maintenance locations. And in Winter 2025, milestones include the draft project concept report and next steps.

Click to enlarge

Project Progression

Following completion of the Project Concept Report, the project will move into preliminary engineering and environmental documentation, and then through right-of-way and final design.

Project Schedule

Image shows a timeline of the overall project schedule beginning with completion of the project concept report in 2025 through right of way and final design in 2032.

Click to enlarge

Your Feedback

Thank you for participating in this Virtual Open House. RTC and its project partners are committed to meaningful public engagement throughout the project's lifecycle. Community participation is vital in minimizing impacts while meeting the needs of riders, bicyclists and pedestrians. There are many voices in our community, and we want to hear yours.

Submit a Comment

Please submit any additional feedback by December 20, 2024 through the form below or email us!

Stay Involved

Stay up-to-date on the project by participating in the following ways:

  • mailing list

    Mailing List

    Join our mailing list using the form on this page
  • website

    Project Website

    Visit the project website for updates
  • email

    Email

    Email us questions or comments
  • meeting

    Community Workshops

    In-person Community Workshops were held to present Milestone 3 project updates and collect community feedback. Workshops focused on alignment refinements, stations, and noise impacts.
    calendar
    Tuesday, November 12, 2024
    6 - 7:30 p.m.
    Henry J. Mello Center
    250 E Beach Street, Watsonville
    calendar
    Wednesday, November 13, 2024
    6 - 7:30 p.m.
    Live Oak Community Center
    979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz