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).
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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.
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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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.
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At this stage in project development, the RTC is aiming to provide a refined design that:
The Project team is continuing to evaluate a number of potential solutions to address constraints that were identified during development of the initial conceptual alignment and which could inhibit constructability and/or impede operations.
The existing alignment runs in the roadway in locations in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Train speeds would be limited for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
ROW constraints due to existing development would limit construction and operation of the trail and rail due to regulatory clearance requirements.
The existing ROW geometry as well as adjacent areas of environmental concern could limit the speed of the train, impacting end-to-end travel times.
Segments of the trail, either existing or in design, would limit the ROW needed for construction and operation of the rail.
Use the interactive comment map below to share your input on areas for improvement or to identify potential issues or constraints. Drop a pin on the specific area, type your comment, and select the comment topic. Other participants will be able to see your pin and comment type, however they will not be able to see your comment.
The initial conceptual alignment below is a draft for review and discussion only and shows a 24-foot rail alignment footprint (12-feet from the rail centerline in both directions) and 12-foot trail alignment footprint. The actual width of the alignments would vary based on a number of factors, including the constraints detailed above. The aerial basemap displayed may not accurately depict conditions along the proposed alignment in all locations. Where feasible, the rail and trail would remain within the existing rail right-of-way.
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
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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.
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We want to hear from you. Please complete this form to share your thoughts on the project's draft conceptual alignment and potential vehicle types on the Preliminary Purpose and Need. Or you can email us.
Stay up-to-date on the project by participating in the following ways:
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Use the navigation bar on the left side of your screen to revisit any part of the online meeting.
Submit a comment by clicking the comment button in the upper right corner.
