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Project Overview

The Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) project has developed a Final Project Concept that identifies feasible 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 (Branch Line) 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 portion (Segment 11, Phase 2).

Project Benefits

Benefits of the ZEPRT Project could include the following, which would be further analyzed and quantified during future phases of project development:

  • Providing a new safe, high-capacity and environmentally friendly zero-emissions transportation option that reduces travel times, improves transit system reliability and enables residents and visitors to travel without a car, supporting a potential shift toward zero-emission passenger rail and active transportation modes.
  • Connecting Santa Cruz County’s major communities to the California State Rail Network at Pajaro, as envisioned in the 2024 California State Rail Plan and other planning initiatives, linking to Gilroy, the Bay Area, Sacramento and other destinations across the state.
  • Increasing overall mobility and improving access to essential destinations — including schools, jobs, healthcare and community activity centers — by linking rail, trail and active transportation networks into a convenient, integrated system that allows multimodal travel throughout Santa Cruz County and the region.
  • Enhancing safety and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians by providing 12 miles of new multi-use Coastal Rail Trail as a dedicated transportation alternative.
  • Reducing vehicle travel, congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in Santa Cruz County, helping advance state, regional and local climate goals.
  • Supporting equitable and affordable mobility choices — especially those without access to a car and for disadvantaged transit-dependent community members — by lowering transportation barriers and reducing household transportation costs.
  • Encouraging transit-oriented development and investment near stations, thus promoting walkable communities and local economic vitality.
  • Improving community resilience and emergency response capability by providing an alternative, redundant travel corridor and evacuation route.
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

Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line History

  • 1876

    Branch Line completed

  • 1938

    Regular passenger service discontinued and Branch Line primarily served freight operations

  • 1990

    Proposition 116 made funding available to purchase Branch Line; RTC began working with then-owner Southern Pacific, later acquired by Union Pacific Railroad

  • 2010

    RTC unanimously decided to purchase Branch Line as a community asset for broader range of transportation uses

  • 2012

    RTC completed purchase from UPRR for $14.2 million

  • 2018

    St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (short line subsidiary of Progressive Rail) became designated common carrier, providing freight service on the Branch Line

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.

ZEPRT At a Glance

Below is a high-level summary showcasing several key components of the ZEPRT Final Project Concept. More information on each of these topics and additional project details can be found by clicking through the rest of this Virtual Open House or viewing the full Final Project Concept Report on the ZEPRT website under the Resources section.

The Final Project Concept addresses the project's Purpose and Need that was developed with community input in early 2024 during Milestone 1 virtual and in-person engagement. The Purpose and Need Statement outlines the project background, needs and fundamental purpose to support and improve equitable multimodal transportation options in Santa Cruz County.

Ridership Projections

Typical ridership is estimated at 4,200-5,400 boardings (each time a passenger steps aboard the rail vehicle) per weekday during first years of rail service (Updated estimates based on refined results from the Direct Ridership Model process. Ridership will continue to be refined as ZEPRT project advances). This estimate was prepared using community and transportation data sources, and anticipates areas of planned growth.

Travel Time

The Project Concept has identified nine stations for initial service. Assuming 60 second dwell times (amount of time train stops at each station), total system end-to-end (Pajaro to West Santa Cruz) travel time is estimated at approximately 40-55 minutes. Alignment revisions reduced projected vehicle speeds in certain locations and affected timing of passing sidings. Ongoing planning and design work will explore opportunities to better accommodate train meet-pass events to reduce estimated end-to-end travel time.

Capital Costs

Capital costs include design and construction of rail and associated infrastructure. Total capital costs are estimated at approximately $4.28 billion (2025 dollars). Costs will be further refined as decisions are made related to alignment options and other infrastructure improvements in the Beach Street/Beach Flats area of Santa Cruz.

Operating Costs

Operating costs include the expenses to operate and maintain passenger rail service once constructed. These costs are typically calculated annually. Operating expenses for rail service running every 30 minutes are estimated at an average annual range of $34 to $41 million (2025 dollars) with and without a +20% contingency, which accounts for variables of historical experience of Santa Cruz METRO labor agreements and the uncertainty around hydrogen-fueled train operations.

Travel time is 40 to 55 minutes

Next Steps

The RTC Commission will consider the Project Concept Report and next steps for advancing the development of the ZEPRT project in late 2025. With the Commission's approval, and subject to available funding, the ZEPRT project would continue to advance through the Caltrans Corridor Identification Program into preliminary engineering and environmental review.

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 portion (Segment 11, Phase 2).

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

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

Engagement Highlights

The ZEPRT team is committed to meaningful community engagement through the project’s lifecycle to gather public input that is integrated into each step of the technical planning process. Community participation is vital to developing a project that minimizes impacts while meeting the needs of riders, bicyclists and pedestrians.

By the Numbers

From project inception, RTC and its project partners have focused on creating engagement opportunities for information exchange, convenient participation and ongoing input gathering. Since early 2024, we have connected with hundreds of community members and dozens of key stakeholder groups, reached thousands through virtual events, and consistently worked to share project information and gather input.

Total Connections to Date

~500 people In-Person ~5,000 users Virtually
  • 1,000+ Comments Received
  • 60+ Stakeholder Meetings
  • 25+ Email Blasts
  • 9 In-Person Community Workshops
  • 9 Newspaper Ads
  • 7 Information Sessions
  • 4 Virtual Open Houses
Community Workshop presentation, Santa Cruz Community Workshop, Watsonville

What We've Heard

Throughout the many ZEPRT outreach events and touchpoints, engagement has focused on key topics critical to the project's concept development. We have collected over a thousand comments from community members via the project website, email, events, open houses and informational sessions. We have also gathered hundreds of input points through interactive engagement activities like surveys, map comments and interactive posterboards. Explore below the key feedback themes we've heard related to each topic.

Preliminary Purpose & Need

  • Support for project purpose of providing increased access to convenient and reliable public travel options
  • Agreement on community need for alternative travel modes, connections to future rail service and equitable transit options

Conceptual Alignments

  • Preference for most efficient and least disruptive rail and trail alignments
  • Support for rail and trail alignments that provide connections to Cabrillo College
  • Strong interest in trail safety and keeping it within rail right-of-way where feasible
  • Desire for service to the west side of Santa Cruz
  • High-quality trail alignment within or in close proximity to rail corridor

Bridge Infrastructure

  • Concerns regarding cost and funding
  • Questions about need for design to accommodate both passenger rail and freight
  • Queries regarding options for retaining existing bridges

Ridership

  • Feedback indicating riders would use rail for recreation, shopping and work with access via bike, walking and car
  • Preference for ability to bring bike on train
  • Questions about ridership calculations including service frequency, population & density and fare cost information

Station Location & Design

  • Support for stations that provide connectivity to downtowns, to employment hubs and to key community and recreation destinations
  • Interest in additional stations providing beach access
  • Desire for connections to other transit modes and to the state rail system
  • Support for safety conscious design features and amenities like shelter, seating, bike parking and restrooms

Operations

  • Desire for efficient, reliable and quiet vehicles compatible with other systems and grant funding
  • Preference for multiple unit rail vehicles
  • Inquiries into balancing efficient travel times with ample station locations, including questions about possibility of running multiple service types like express options

Funding & Project Cost

  • Concerns related to perceived project cost, feasibility and funding
  • Preference for least expensive alignment alternatives
  • Requests for transparency on project costs and benefits

Community Impacts

  • Strong interest in prioritizing safety for trail users
  • Concerns related to perceived project cost, feasibility, funding, environmental impacts and noise
  • Desire for Quiet Zones
  • Preference for least expensive alignment alternatives
  • Expressed desire for investing in underserved communities, particularly pertaining to access to affordable, reliable and safe transportation

Click through the rest of this Virtual Open House to see how community input received to-date has played a crucial role in shaping the development of the ZEPRT's Final Project Concept!

Intercity Rail Service & Funding

The RTC Commission took action in March 2025 to pursue intercity passenger rail service on the Branch Line that aligns with the California State Rail Plan, and maximizes funding eligibility and technical support through state and federal programs.

Intercity Rail Service

Intercity service is intended to serve travelers within Santa Cruz County providing connections to other communities in the region as well as in California. The service meets the needs of people traveling shorter trips as well as longer trips through a limited number of stations that support a competitive travel time between Watsonville and Santa Cruz. See photos below of examples of intercity rail services in other parts of California.

The decision to pursue intercity rail service:

  • Enables connection via one seat ride to communities both within and outside of Santa Cruz County in the future
  • Provides consistency with objectives for State and Federal funding opportunities through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and other programs
  • Eliminates light rail as a service option, as those vehicles are not compatible on the intercity rail network
  • Necessitates station stops to be less frequent (additional stations, such as those providing beach access, could be served as exception stops during non-peak hours like weekends)
SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)
Caltrain (San Francisco Bay Area)
SPRINTER (North County Transit District, San Diego)

Funding

Changes in Funding Outlook

The ZEPRT project's funding outlook changed at state and federal levels since initiation of the Project Concept development in 2022 due to:

  • Implementation of Federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)
    • IIJA authorized historic funding for development, improvement and expansion of intercity passenger rail services and corridors across the nation plus established FRA's Corridor ID Program
  • Adoption of California State Rail Plan in January 2025
  • Uncertainty of new administration's federal investment policies & priorities

Corridor ID Program

Unlike previous federal planning efforts, the Corridor ID Program supports sustained development of intercity passenger rail and establishes a pipeline of rail projects for federal funding. Caltrans is the grantee for the initial Corridor ID service planning funds to implement planning development in accordance with the State Rail Plan for new service on the Central Coast Corridor, which includes the Branch Line. To maximize federal investments, the state is prioritizing funding capital projects and pre-construction planning activities that align with federal transportation priorities and the State Rail Plan.

Funding is available for project components including:

  • Environmental analysis
  • Construction
  • Preliminary and final engineering
  • Right-of-way

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

While many federal grants offer up to 80% maximum contribution, oversubscribed discretionary programs require federal agencies to spread out amounts less than requested. A local funding source, similar to a tax measure like Measure D, would be needed to supplement federal and state funding.

Federal grants are around 80%; State and local are around 20%

Learn More

To learn more, view the following resources:

Ridership Projections

The ZEPRT project team conducted modeling to conceptually identify the number of passengers that would take the train, including estimating the number of passenger boarding at each proposed station. This process aims to help RTC make informed decisions about service frequency and stations selected for service, ensuring efficient and effective rail service.

Ridership modeling

We have worked with local partner agencies to evaluate ridership and our ridership modeling has taken into account community destinations as well as areas of planned growth. Evaluating ridership relies on data from a number of sources. The project team has collected data from Santa Cruz County, UC Santa Cruz, cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz METRO, Visit Santa Cruz and others.

Ridership Models Used for ZEPRT

Analysis was prepared using a combination of the Santa Cruz County Travel Demand Model (SCC Model) and a Direct Ridership Model (DRM). Utilizing a combination allows the ZEPRT project team to leverage strength of both tools to have a regional understanding of travel patterns paired with detailed land use and circulation factors around potential station areas.

Santa Cruz County Travel Demand Model

Regional travel demand model forecasting travel throughout Santa Cruz County and to/from adjacent counties. The model considers existing and projected land uses as well as travel characteristics within the county.

How Far into the Future Do We Look?

Ridership levels and travel patterns can increase and change over time based on population and employment density changes as well as transportation system changes. The ZEPRT project ridership modelling and ridership projections focus on a 2045 horizon year, consistent with the SCC Model.

Direct Ridership Model

An added activity that complemented the SCC Model by incorporating more detailed location information, such as type and intensity of land uses around stations, parking supply, levels of bus transit access, etc.

Ridership Data Considerations

  • Regional Context

    Capture inter-county travel

  • Non-Commuter Trip Applicability

    Account for various trip purposes

  • Complementary & Competing Modes

    Connect various mode choices en-route

  • Station Area Context

    Has detailed station area network

  • Transit Network & Service Plan

    Include active service network and plan

  • Parking Supply & Pricing

    Utilize parking as a variable influencing travel behavior

  • Weekend & Seasonal Travel

    Understand travel characteristics on atypical days

  • Transit Focus

    Emphasis on transit related factors

Ridership Projections

  • Approximately 4,200-5,400 boardings (each time a passenger steps aboard the rail vehicle) per weekday during first years of rail service. Updated estimates based on refined results from DRM process. Ridership will continue to be refined as ZEPRT project advances.
  • Weekend ridership likely to be slightly lower than weekday ridership (could increase during holiday & vacation periods)
  • Future land use changes, such as planned development in downtown Santa Cruz and Watsonville, is likely to contribute additional riders
  • Improvements to the overall transportation network, such as walking and biking access to stations, wayfinding, direct bus connections and park and ride facilities, result in increases in the upper end of the ridership projection range

Learn More

View the October 28, 2024 Informational Community Session that explains the different ridership models considered and how they will be applied.

View the June 9, 2025 Informational Community Session that provides further details regarding ZEPRT ridership projections and cost estimates.

Additional Ridership Information

Total system ridership projections are based on the ridership ranges projected at each station. Ridership numbers are presented as the number of boardings, which means each time a passenger steps aboard the rail vehicle. A ridership range is presented based on a number of factors related to future development, transit connections, etc. that would impact the number of riders at each station.

Station Name Preliminary Ridership Ranges (In Boardings)
Weekday Weekend Notes
Pajaro 350 – 450 Low Interregional connection
Downtown Watsonville 900 – 1,100 Med Accounts for Downtown Watsonville development
Aptos Station 250 – 400 Med
Cabrillo (south) / State Beach 350 – 450 Med Higher ridership if new connection to Cabrillo College built
Capitola Station 450 – 550 High High weekend activity
17th Ave Station 400 – 500 Med
Seabright Station 300 – 400 Med
Beach Station 1,050 – 1,300 High Highest activity station, potential UCSC connection
Natural Bridges Station 150 – 250 Med Higher ridership with improved UCSC connection
Total 4,200 – 5,400 boardings/day Updated estimates based on refined results from DRM process. Ridership will continue to be refined as ZEPRT project advances.

The ridership results by station are mapped here. The size of the blue circle indicates projected ridership range.

Map showing Ridership by Station Click to enlarge
  • Natural Bridges Station - 150 to 250
  • Beach Street Station - 1,050 to 1,300
  • Seabright Station - 300 to 400
  • 17th Avenue Station - 400 to 500
  • Capitola Station - 450 to 550
  • Cabrillo Station - 350 to 450
  • Aptos Station - 250 to 400
  • Downtown Watsonville Station - 900 to 1,100
  • Pajaro Station - 350 to 450

The following tables compare the proposed ZEPRT system to other operating passenger rail systems in California in terms of the total daily boardings, per station basis and per capita basis. The comparisons include three systems: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), and the COASTER and SPRINTER services in San Diego County.

Average Daily Boardings Click to enlarge
    Average Daily Boardings
  • ZERPT - 5,200
  • SMART - 4,100 with up to 50% Future Growth
  • Coaster - 3,800 with up to 50% Future Growth
  • Sprinter - 8,800 with up to 50% Future Growth
Average Daily Boardings per Capita Click to enlarge
    Average Daily Rideship per Station
  • ZERPT - 610
  • SMART - 310
  • Coaster - 480
  • Sprinter - 580
Average Daily Boardings per Capita Click to enlarge
    Average Daily Boardings per Capita
  • ZERPT - 0.22/li>
  • SMART - 0.006
  • Coaster - 0.0015
  • Sprinter - 0.011
    • Note: County population used for SCCRTC, populations of cities with stations used for other systems.

The ridership modeling considered how future growth might occur in the corridor and the population and employment changes that might contribute to ridership.

Map showing Anticipated Growth along Corridor Click to enlarge

The ridership modeling considered future growth projections for 2045. This map shows growth along the corridor on a density basis, including both population and employment density.

Map showing Population and Employment Density Click to enlarge

The State Rail Plan envisions rail service connecting to the statewide system at Pajaro. Ridership modeling assumes that about 10% of ZEPRT riders would connect at Pajaro to other systems or get on at Pajaro and travel to locations within Santa Cruz County. Transfers heading north to Gilroy and the Bay area are expected to be higher than transfers traveling south.

Map showing Population and Employment Densiry Click to enlarge

Potential strategies have been identified that could be considered as the project design advances to allow the system to achieve the higher end ridership projections. These include the improvements noted below, such as timed transfers to other transit systems, bike parking and pedestrian access, etc.

Station Name Potential Improvements
Pajaro Park and ride, timed transfers
Downtown Watsonville Bike parking, connections to new housing; park and ride
Aptos Station Pedestrian access improvements
Cabrillo (south) / State Beach New direct walk/bike connection to Cabrillo College, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, park and ride
Capitola Station Better access to downtown, sidewalks on Park Avenue
17th Ave Station Bike parking; pedestrian access improvements
Seabright Station Better sidewalks on Murray Street
Beach Station Direct bus connections, wayfinding/access improvements
Natural Bridges Station Direct bus connections, bike parking, bike infrastructure

Station Locations & Design

In conformance with the decision to pursue intercity rail service and evaluation of ridership modeling, the ZEPRT project team has identified nine stations proposed for initial service. Outlined below are the proposed station locations and design features.

Station Locations

Throughout the ZEPRT planning process, a number of station locations were considered, including those advanced from the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis, identified by community request or for seasonal/beach access and options for the end-of-line service. The platform, design and basic features will be consistent across stations, but the layout and additional features like those shown below will vary.

Click the map tabs below to see the stations being proposed for initial service and stations that were previously considered.

Station Design

Potential Features

The layout and amenities at each station would vary based on location and the way riders access the station. The platform, design and basic features will be consistent across stations, but the layout and additional features, such as those shown below, will vary.

  • Bicycle Parking

    Bicycle parking

    Parking

    Parking

    Kiss and Ride

    Kiss and Ride

  • Connections to Coastal Rail Trail

    Connections to Coastal Rail Trail

    Shelter

    Shelter

    Seating

    Seating

  • Ticket vending

    Ticket vending

    Wayfinding/public information

    Wayfinding / public information

Station Design Concept

A user-centered design concept has been developed to represent the community and its people through the following design pillars:

  • Place — Physical environment, community culture and demographics
  • System — Cohesive system-wide identity with community pride, safety and service usability
  • People — User needs that support the journey from origin to destination

In addition to considerations for station locations, platform size, building standards and rail system requirements, design features will incorporate several other considerations:

  • Security and safety
  • Passenger experience
  • Connectivity and multimodal travel (i.e. bicycle, bus, etc.)
  • Navigation and wayfinding
  • Future climate
  • Sustainability conditions
  • Maintainability

The images shown here represent conceptual design components developed at this stage for cost estimating purposes. The system would have a consistent station design theme, however, individual stations could incorporate unique elements to represent neighborhood character.

Learn More

View the July 22, 2025 Informational Community Session that showcases three conceptual designs developed to represent the community and its people, while providing needed station features and a cohesive system-wide identity.

Place Connection

Constructed of wood, this shelter evokes a connection to the redwoods and maritime environment.

System Connection

Wood—as a common element of the shelter, benches, trash cans and signage—makes system easily identifiable, reducing traveler stress and enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

People Connection

Wood, as a renewable resource, connects people to the things that are memorable—the beach, the Boardwalk and surfboards.

Woody Concept Design
Woody Concept Design
Woody Concept Design

Place Connection

A light-filtering structure resonates with the unique quality and intensity of light in Northern California.

System Connection

Both natural and artificial light enhance station visibility and wayfinding, creating system-wide continuity and an environment that is easily identifiable, legible and intuitive to navigate.

People Connection

A simple structure combining a breezy light-filtering canopy providing travelers with a public space reminiscent of beach umbrellas and the Monterey Bay shoreline.

Beachy Concept Design
Beachy Concept Design
Beachy Concept Design

Place Connection

The use of brick or terracotta nods to the historic rail and industrial character infrastructure connecting the natural landscape with the station's surrounding public realm.

System Connection

A clear, though distinguishable, system-wide identity can be achieved through Victorian era rail infrastructure to achieve a strong contemporary yet timeless identity.

People Connection

Materials such as brick or terracotta, marine bronze and picketed balustrades create familiar architectural elements such as arcades, porches, and patterned brick flooring fostering familiarity, legibility and a heightened sense of hospitality that connects travelers to the craft, history and the passage of time.

Industrial & Rail Concept Design
Industrial & Rail Concept Design
Industrial & Rail Concept Design

Conceptual Operations

Travel Time

Preliminary conceptual operations modeling developed for ZEPRT estimates end-to-end travel time over a 22-mile single-track route for daily passenger rail service on the Branch Line.

Travel time is 40 to 55 minutes

Operations Model Factors

  • Headways: Duration between trains at a given station (California State Rail Plan envisions intercity passenger rail service commencing around the year 2040 with departures every 30 minutes, but 60-minute headways could be considered for initial service with no impact to projected end-to-end travel times.)
  • Meet & Pass Events: Allows trains traveling in opposite directions on a single line track to pass one another by stopping at a designated side track along the route. The final project concept includes several meet and pass events proposed in the Pajaro, West Watsonville, Renaissance, Seascape, Capitola, Seabright and Natural Bridges station areas.
  • Freight Rail Interface: Future intercity passenger rail service would be temporally separated from freight and passenger excursion trains.

Passenger Rail Vehicle Concept

The ZEPRT project will use multiple unit trains (such as the zero-emission Stadler FLIRT) as they are most compatible with the Branch Line service.

Train Features

  • Passenger capacity (110-225 seats)
  • Interoperability with freight & commuter systems
  • Multiple propulsion options (battery, hydrogen, diesel, hybrid)

Passenger Features

  • Level boarding for bicycles & mobility devices
  • Quiet operation with hydrogen or battery propulsion
  • Variety of interior amenity possibilities
  • Sleek and modern appearance

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

Service of the FLIRT multiple unit vehicle was recently launched

View Example Video
North County Transit District of San Diego

Caltrans and North County Transit District are currently procuring multiple unit vehicles to provide passenger service along corridors similar to the Branch Line

Photo Source: NCTD

View Example Video
Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Operators in other states are also using multiple unit vehicles

Photo Source: DART

View Example Video

ZEPRT Vehicle Sets

The number of vehicles needed for Branch Line service will be based on ridership demand forecast and requirements for a time-competitive service operating between Pajaro and Santa Cruz. Conceptual operations planning identified a fleet size of five vehicles to accommodate regularly-scheduled 30-minute service, including spares for vehicle maintenance. Fleet requirements will be confirmed as the ZEPRT project advances.

Learn More

To learn more, view a recording of the April 1, 2025 Informational Community Session, which includes content on the Rail Vehicle Concept.

Recording of the April 1, 2025 Informational Community Session

Network Infrastructure

Infrastructure improvements needed to support a safe, efficient and reliable passenger rail service could include any or all of the following:

  • New or rehabilitated rail and track structure (main track, side track, connections to other railroads)

    New or rehabilitated rail and track structure (main track, side track, connections to other railroads)

    New or rehabilitated bridges or drainage culverts

    New or rehabilitated bridges or drainage culverts

    Train control systems

    Train control systems

  • Active warning devices and interface at public highway-rail and pedestrian-rail grade crossings

    Active warning devices and interface at public highway-rail and pedestrian-rail grade crossings

    Stations, platforms, and more

    Stations, platforms and more

    Operations control center

    Operations control center

  • Layover & Maintenance Facility

    Layover & Maintenance Facility

Learn More

To learn more about railroad bridge infrastructure assessments, view a recording of our Informational Community Session from March 12, 2025.

Recording of our Informational Community Session

Layover & Maintenance Facility

A layover & maintenance facility allows for storage of vehicles and maintenance equipment and materials, and for operators to carry out essential maintenance tasks to ensure trains are safe and in optimal working condition. This may include cleaning, inspection, or repairing various components as well as refueling hydrogen tanks or recharging batteries.

A conceptual facility site has been identified in the Watsonville area west of Highway 1 off of the Branch Line corridor. Refer to the map below.

Facility Map Click to enlarge
Facility San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Metrolink Arrow Maintenance Facility in San Bernardino, California

Proposed Conceptual Rail & Trail Alignment

The project's proposed conceptual rail and trail alignment is shown below and takes into consideration the extensive community and stakeholder feedback that has been received to date.

Alignment Design

The initial conceptual alignment, presented in summer 2024, was designed to fit in the existing rail corridor where feasible while accommodating both the rail and trail and also optimizing operations to allow for train travel speeds that would reduce end-to-end system total travel time.

Since then, refinements to the proposed rail and trail alignments have included:

  • Areas where the rail line currently runs in the roadway
  • Areas of constrained right-of-way where the rail and trail may not both fit while meeting rail regulatory clearance requirements
  • Considerations for trail segments that are constructed or currently in design

Based on these refinements and ongoing coordination with stakeholders and interested parties, the following describes where the proposed alignment has changed.

Shifts rail from center of the roadway to the mountain (north) side of Walker Street. This change allows for maintained pedestrian and vehicle movement on Walker Street, including two lanes of vehicle traffic while maintaining business access to the extent feasible and minimizing impacts to parking. This alignment also accommodates the proposed Downtown Watsonville Station to be located on Walker Street between W. Beach Street and 2nd Street. Future design refinements, however, would not be precluded from exploring alternative locations for the Downtown Watsonville Station, including other areas along Walker Street or the Historic Depot.

Map of alignment Click to enlarge

Routes the trail out of the constrained rail corridor onto San Andreas Road (near the intersection with Buena Vista Dr.) to W. Beach St. The trail would follow W. Beach into Downtown Watsonville where it would turn south onto Rodriguez Street toward the Pajaro River. This alignment allows for better access to the coast via San Andreas Road and W. Beach Street. It also improves trail safety by moving the trail away from rail crossings and prioritizing vehicle access in the industrial zone while providing better community connections from the trail to downtown Watsonville and Pajaro.

Segment Map Click to enlarge

Locates a portion of the trail (Segments 13 and 14) on the coastal side of Sumner Ave. The shift from the rail corridor onto Sumner Ave. is proposed at Hidden Beach Trestle to the end of Sumner Rd. at Camp St. Francis, where the trail will return to the rail corridor. The location on Sumner Ave. provides better community access to the trail.

Trail Segment 15 continues south from Camp St. Francis on the inland side of the rail corridor to the area near Camino Al Mar where the trail will cross to the coastal side of the rail line through La Selva Bluff. To accommodate the trail on the coastal side of the rail, the rail line shifts east by several feet along the bluff.

Segment Map Click to enlarge

Locates an at-grade Cabrillo Station at New Brighton Road in the existing rail corridor with a proposed pedestrian crossing to Cabrillo College. This alignment and station location was found to be the least impactful to the state park, environmentally sensitive habitat areas and the neighboring communities.

Aerial view of alignment pattern Click to enlarge

Proposes to replace the existing Capitola Trestle Bridge over Soquel Creek to serve freight and passenger service, with a trail bridge structure on the coastal side. The rail and trail bridges would be built on a new, shared bridge substructure. To accommodate the two bridge structures in the existing right-of-way, a track shift of approximately 8-feet inland would be required on both sides of Soquel Creek.

Capitola Trestle Bridge

The Draft Project Concept for the Coastal Rail Trail from approximately 30th Avenue to 47th Avenue and from Monterey Avenue to Grove Lane includes the original alignment of the Monterey Bay Scenic Sanctuary Trail Network Master Plan parallel to the Branch Line. Right-of-way constraints of the rail corridor through these areas have been identified. Alternatives to address these constraints will be evaluated as the project continues to advance through the environmental process.

Jade Street Track

Due to high volume of pedestrian crossings and complex operational issues associated with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, various alignment options for the area along Beach Street from Cliff Street to the San Lorenzo River were developed. The baseline project assumes an at-grade alignment option for the purpose of developing the project cost estimate. Additional refinement and coordination with stakeholders will continue to address pedestrian access and safety, local roadway network changes, maintenance and emergency vehicle access, visual aesthetics and cost. Elements that would be an additional cost to the baseline at-grade rail alignment are not currently included in the ZEPRT project cost estimate.

At Grade Option Looking Southeast from Cliff Street

Proposes an end of the line station on the west side of Santa Cruz near Natural Bridges Dr., with an alternative end-of-line station at Depot Park. The West Side/Natural Bridges Dr. location provides service for current and future development in west Santa Cruz.

Map of Station Click to enlarge

Interactive Map

Use the interactive map below to view the proposed conceptual rail and trail alignment and station locations. The proposed conceptual alignment below is a draft for review and discussion only showing 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 will vary. The aerial basemap displayed may not accurately depict conditions along the proposed alignment in all locations.

Grade Crossings

A grade crossing is where a road, street, trail or sidewalk crosses railroad tracks at the same level. The ZEPRT project has developed conceptual designs for 30 grade crossings to improve safety. The below grade crossing safety measures are among the suite of designed features that would be used to optimize safety throughout the rail corridor. While implementation of potential quiet zones will be considered in a future phase of project planning, the grade crossings have been designed to meet standards required for Quiet Zones establishment.

Safety Measure Examples

  • Four-quadrant gate system with center median (Source: FDOT)

    Four-quadrant gate system with center median (Source: FDOT)

    Median (Source: FRA)

    Median (Source: FRA)

    Median, gate and flashing lights

  • Gate and flashing lights

    Gate and flashing lights

    Permanent crossing closure (Source: FRA)

    Permanent crossing closure (Source: FRA)

    Pedestrian gates, railings and signs

    Pedestrian gates, railings and signs

  • Four-quadrant gate syatem

    Four-quadrant gate system

    Additional signage

    Additional signage

    Speed table

    Speed table (for mid-block crossings of the Coastal Rail Trail)

  • High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)

    High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) (for mid-block crossings of the Coastal Rail Trail)

Learn More

To learn more about grade crossings, noise and quiet zones, view a recording of our Informational Community Session from December 16, 2024.

DRAFT CONCEPTUAL ALIGNMENT STRIP MAPS

In addition to the Interactive Comment Map above, links to current proposed conceptual alignment strip maps are provided here for your review. The maps are ordered geographically along the proposed alignment from West Santa Cruz and continuing east to Watsonville/Pajaro.

Learn More

View conceptual alignment strip maps presented during Milestone 2 in summer 2024 and Milestone 4 in summer 2025 for the Draft Project Concept to compare how the proposed conceptual alignment has changed.

Project Cost

The RTC has used industry standard methodology and tools to prepare preliminary conceptual capital cost and baseline annual operations and maintenance cost estimates for the ZEPRT passenger rail service. These cost estimates will be refined as the project advances.

What is Included in the Cost Estimate?

Capital Costs Design and construction of the conceptual project based on the level of design completed to date, with contingency applied.

  • Guideway & track elements
    • Track construction
    • Grade crossing improvements
    • Rail bridges and infrastructure
  • Stations
  • Support facilities
    • Layover and maintenance facility
  • Signals, systems and communications
  • Right-of-way acquisitions, land and other improvements
  • Hydrogen multiple unit vehicles
  • Professional services
  • Contingency costs

Operating & Maintenance Expenses Day-to-day costs to operate and maintain the ZEPRT passenger rail service, based on operating schedule, run times, headways, etc.

  • Vehicle operations
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Personnel costs
  • General administration and other expenses

Capital Cost Estimate

Capital costs are estimated using an Average Unit Bid Cost Estimate, which uses unit price data collected over a broad range of relevant local, regional and national projects, and applies the weighted average unit price to develop a rough order of magnitude cost.

The cost estimate is calculated using the FRA Standard Cost Category Workbook and is presented in 2025 dollars.

The estimated cost also includes a contingency line item typical of a project at the early phases of design. The contingency is intended to account for the risks associated with the environmental process and final design, as well as changes that may occur to the Project as development advances. As these subsequent phases advance, the contingency is a tool for the agency to account for changes that increase cost as needed, or to reduce overall project costs if risks are retired without additional costs.

Cost estimate assumes an at-grade alignment on Beach Street in Santa Cruz, with a total cost estimate of approximately $4.28 billion.

Based on further refinement of the conceptual design through the Beach Street corridor, estimated capital costs would vary depending on potential structure design or infrastructure improvements.

Includes certain grading and construction costs for segments of the Coastal Rail Trail where the trail is within the rail corridor, but excludes costs for major trail structures (such as bridges) as well as costs for the trail where it is located outside of the rail corridor.

Cost Category Estimated Cost (Millions)
Guideway & Track Elements $729.3
Stations $80.3
Support Facilities $253.6
Sitework & Special Conditions $740.2
Systems $152.5
Construction Subtotal $1,955.9
Right-of-Way, Land & Other Improvements $215.7
Vehicles $145.4
Professional Services $684.6
Subtotal $1,045.6
Contingency $1,283.3
Total Project Cost (2025 Dollars) $4,284.8

Operating Expenses Assumptions

Below shows reasonable assumptions made regarding operations of the passenger rail to develop an operations and maintenance estimate.

Category Assumption
Service Pattern All-day end-to-end service, a one-way trip of 22 miles
Operating Hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
Operating Days 365 days per year
End-to-End Run Time 45 minutes

A benchmark cost estimate was used for operations expenses, comparing various similar transit services that operate electric or diesel multiple-unit trains on a single line. Currently no historical data is available for operation of a hydrogen powered train. Looking at similar service, operating costs vary considerably between different agencies within the same region based on when labor agreements were negotiated for their contracts.

Annual Operating Expenses Estimate

The preliminary rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate to annually operate and maintain the ZEPRT service between Santa Cruz and Pajaro is presented below in 2025 dollars, based on transit industry averages for peer U.S. operations in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) National Transit Database.

The average estimate for annual operation and maintenance expenses is $34,000,000 for 30-minute headway service. Annual operating expenses may be higher due to the historical experience of Santa Cruz METRO labor agreements and the uncertainty around hydrogen-fueled train operations, a technology which is undergoing rapid development and change. To account for these variables, a with contingency of +20% has been applied to the average estimate.

Headway Average Contingency
30-Minutes $34,000,000 $41,000,000
60-Minutes $17,000,000 $21,000,000

The operations and maintenance cost estimate does not include major maintenance or rehabilitation of structures.

Learn More

View the June 9, 2025 Informational Community Session that provides further details regarding ZEPRT ridership projections and cost estimates.

Project Schedule

The Final Project Concept Report is anticipated to be considered by the RTC Commission in late 2025.

Current Project Phase

The ZEPRT Final Project Concept Report was completed in mid-October 2024 and is now available to the public. This phase of work progressed through four key milestones, presented in the figure to the right, and included the following tasks:

  • Developing a Project Description and the Preliminary Purpose and Need Statement
  • Analyzing alternatives and conducting environmental screening of preliminary rail and trail conceptual alignments
  • Refining conceptual alignments into one proposed concept
  • Preparing the draft and final Project Concept Report, which document key project understandings, and outcomes of the analysis, study and outreach conducted thus far

With the RTC Commission’s approval, and subject to available funding, the ZEPRT project can advance to preliminary engineering and environmental review in future phases, including stand-alone projects of independent utility.

Project Concept Report

Milestones and Engagement Opportunities

Segment Map Click to enlarge
  • Milestone 1 - Winter 2024
    • Preliminary Purpose and Need Statement
    • Project Look Ahead
  • Milestone 2 - Summer 2024
    • Conceptual Alignments
    • Zero Emission Vehicle Types
  • Milestone 3 - Fall 2024
    • Ongoing Conceptual Alignment Updates
    • Station Locations and Features
    • Ridership Approach
  • Milestone 4 - Summer 2025 (We are here)
    • Draft Project Concept Report
    • Preliminary Cost Estimates
    • Next Steps for Project Development

Throughout all milestone activities, meaningful, proactive and focused public and stakeholder engagement occurred, including virtual and in-person meetings.

Potential Project Next Steps

The following potential future next steps would help inform and progress future ZEPRT project activities, providing further clarity on how the project can serve Santa Cruz County as well as additional information for the RTC Commission to as it makes future decisions regarding project funding and implementation alternatives:

  • Conduct a peer review of the ZEPRT Final Project Concept Report — anticipated to be completed in late 2025
  • Continue stakeholder engagement and coordination to catalyze consensus and maintain momentum
  • Undertake additional conceptual engineering and operations planning to refine rail network infrastructure improvements, and confirm end-to-end travel times required to support a reliable and competitive transportation option
  • Develop an optimized ZEPRT travel demand (ridership) forecast that incorporates opportunities for transit-oriented development and intensifications of uses along the corridor
  • Develop a refined rail alignment alternative that addresses long-term partner and stakeholder objectives in the Santa Cruz Beach Flats Area
  • Continue coordination with Downtown Watsonville partners and stakeholders
  • Initiate early environmental activities to advance towards National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis
  • Continue resiliency planning for both rail and trail along the Branch Line (building on efforts recently started via a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant)
  • Identify and pursue potential funding opportunities at the federal, state and local levels as well as options for phased advancement

Transportation Investment

The ZEPRT Project must reflect a transportation investment that balances merit criteria for both federal U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) discretionary grant programs and California state competitive funding programs. As funding landscapes shift at both levels, ZEPRT’s multi-benefit approach must evolve for continued investment. Pursuing future funding will require navigating the differences in how federal and state agencies define project value and long-term public benefit.

Recent shifts in federal programs signal an emphasis on priorities such as economic development, safety and cost-effectiveness. At the state level, ZEPRT remains consistent with California’s funding priorities under the discretionary Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and other Senate Bill (SB) 1 funding programs.

Moving forward, it will be critical to strategically consider differing audience priorities to ensure funding pursuits clearly reflect each program’s merit criteria while maintaining a consistent long-term vision for sustainable, multimodal mobility in Santa Cruz County. For funding opportunities at both state and federal levels, ZEPRT will require a detailed Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) to monetize and quantify project benefits such as travel time savings, reduced collisions and operational efficiencies. While a benefit cost analysis requires monetization of specific benefits from infrastructure investment, federal and state funding applications must also highlight intangible social benefits for communities.

Learn more

To dive deeper into potential next steps and funding opportunities for the ZEPRT project, refer to Chapter 20 of the Final Project Concept Report, located on the project webpage at sccrtc.org/zeprt under the “Resources” section.

Stay Connected

Thank you for visiting this Virtual Open House for the Final Project Concept Report. The RTC accepted feedback on the Draft Project Concept from June 12 through August 22, 2025. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The full report is now available on the project website.

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.

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To stay informed about future engagement opportunities, visit sccrtc.org/zeprt.

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