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
High-capacity rail service and stations will
reduce travel times and improve
transit system reliability
Connects the most populated areas of
Santa Cruz County to the California State Rail Network
Improves transit connections to community activity
centers
supporting the local economy and
providing better access between housing and jobs
Provides
12 miles of new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian
trail
to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and
safety
Passes within 1 mile of more than
90 parks, 40 schools, and
approximately half of the county's population
Reduces vehicle miles traveled and
associated greenhouse gas emissions
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
GreenFederal
BlueState/Local
FTA
Service Types & Funding Eligibility from Different Funding
Agencies
Locomotive Hauled Trains
FRA
FTA
Multiple Unit Trains
FRA
FTA
Light Rail Vehicles
FRA
FTA
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 DriveOpen deck steel plate girder span over roadway
BR 12.71b Over Soquel DriveOpen 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.
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
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:
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.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Henry J. Mello Center
250 E Beach Street, Watsonville
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Live Oak Community Center
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz