Coast Rail Corridor Study

Coast Rail Corridor Study Skip to main content

Regional-Commuter Rail Feasibility

PASSENGER RAIL IMPROVEMENT STUDY FOR REGIONAL-COMMUTER RAIL

The plan will evaluate the feasibility of adding regional rail service between San Luis Obispo and Guadalupe, with possible extensions from Guadalupe to Santa Maria and from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles.


GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Establishing goals and objectives for a potential regional rail service is an important step in identifying and evaluating options. The goals identified are consistent with those found in SLOCOG's 2019 Regional Transportation Plan and each have several measurable objectives intended to support the goal. The Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC) and corridor stakeholders provided valuable input into the refinement of the goals & objectives prior to SLOCOG Board approval. A full list of Goals & Objectives is listed under Resources.


Click or hover each goal to see its corresponding objectives

There are seven total goals and objectives for this corridor study.

Goal 1:
System Preservation

Shifting commute period trips from personal vehicles to transit.

Goal 2:
Intermodal Mobility & Accessibility

Increasing transit mode share for commuters while offering reliable and competitive service with convenient connections and capacity.

Goal 3:
Healthy Communities and Social Equity

Creating a travel alternative that is competitive with driving encourages walking and biking and is an affordable solution for disadvantaged populations.

Goal 4:
Safety & Security

Reducing potential risk of injury or fatality.

Goal 5:
Vibrant Economy

Improving connections between housing and jobs.

Goal 6:
Environmental Stewardship

Reducing vehicle emissions and championing clean rail technologies.

Goal 7:
Financial Stewardship

Identifying cost-effective services that are competitive for funding opportunities.

...and explore the Goals & Objectives document found on the Resources page

Click to visit the Resources page.

Project Study Area

Map showing the study area

Click to enlarge


REGIONAL-COMMUTER RAIL PLANNING EFFORT
Planning for future Commuter Rail service will evaluate and seek input on the following areas:

Alternative technologies

What type of trains could be used such as locomotive-hauled coaches or smaller multiple-unit trains?

Service and schedule options

What types of commuter service would be offered and in what frequency?

Operational/maintenance costs and potential funding sources

How much will the commuter rail cost and what funding sources are available specific to rail or transit?

Infrastructure improvement and equipment needs and cost

What improvements to the existing rail or equipment will be needed and when within the phased plan?

Integration of intercity rail and local/regional transit

How will commuter rail fit with future intercity rail and other transit services?

Phased service scenarios

How will commuter rail evolve over time with the phased approach?

Governance structure

Who should manage the future services and who should operate them?

Commuter rail range of service options

Option: Minimal Service

A short route, with limited service hours

  • Three existing stations
  • Two trains daily
  • Monday-Friday
  • Peak period service
    • 6-9 a.m.
    • 3-7 p.m.

Minimal service map




Option: Maximum Service

A long route, with long service hours

  • Four existing stations; up to 3 new stations (Atascadero, Cal Poly, Santa Maria)
  • Seven days a week
  • All-day service
    • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Maximal service map

Regional stakeholders and the general public are also critical partners in this study to ensure that future rail plans meet the needs of our communities.

Get involved

What's on your mind?