Caltrans releases vision for California’s rail plan

SACRAMENTO – Caltrans has released the public draft of the California State Rail Plan, which outlines a new framework for California’s rail network. The rail plan sets the stage for new and better rail lines and for multimodal and community connections in the state for the next 20 years and beyond.

As such, Caltrans is seeking public input throughout the planning process to understand the public’s priorities for passenger and freight rail. The public comment period is now open and ends Dec. 11. This period is an opportunity for the public to submit comments on the rail plan through the project website’s online comment form or visit www.CaliforniaStateRailPlan.com. The project website provides the latest project information and draft plan, and visitors can join the project email list to receive future notifications and updates.

During the public comment period, Caltrans will host seven public workshops across the state, including San Diego. The San Diego workshop for Caltrans District 11 will be held in their offices at 4050 Taylor Street, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, in the Garcia Room.

“The plan will guide the state’s priorities for rail investments that support California’s economy for future generations,” Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said. “Public feedback is critical to ensure that the strategies developed reflect the diverse needs of all communities throughout the state.”

The rail plan intends to use strategic investments and lead to an easy-to-use rail system that offers faster and more frequent service, customer-friendly timed, multimodal connections, integrated ticketing and trip planning and increased reliability of travel in congested corridors around the state. The released plan outlines the series of investments that will connect most communities in California to each other at least every hour throughout the day, with many regions being connected with half-hourly service. It also highlights the critical role for the rail system to be expanded in its ability to move a growing volume of freight cleanly and efficiently.