Would you spend $4.3 billion for 22 miles of track you do not want or need. It does payoff unions, vendors and greedy corporations. Plus, we know when then say $4.3 billion, it is closer to $10 billion—think of the train to nowhere.
“Construction of the long-discussed, much-debated rail line to Santa Cruz using a former Southern Pacific branch line could cost up to $4.3 billion, according to a document released Friday (June 6, 2025).
The draft version of the executive summary of an upcoming report on the project, known as the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail, outlines the plan to develop 22 miles of rail line between Santa Cruz and Pajaro, Calif., as well as 12 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail.
The cost in part reflects earlier assessments that 28 of the 33 bridges on the line will require replacement, which could cost nearly $1 billion [see “Santa Cruz rail project could require …,” Trains News Wire, March 15, 2025]. Other infrastructure requirements would include new or rebuilt right-of-way, including new sidings; signals and positive train control; stations; and upgraded grade crossings. The $4.3 billion figure includes $1.96 billion for construction; $1.04 billion for land, professional services, and rolling stock ($144.3 million); and a $1.3 billion contingency fund.”
Everywhere in the State, the train hoaxsters are begging for money, from CalTrains to the train to nowhere, BART and more. As ridership goes down, they want to expand “service”. Looks like the unions and corporations are getting desperate.
Santa Cruz, Calif., rail project could cost $4.3 billion
By David Lassen, Trains, 6/8/25 https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/santa-cruz-calif-rail-project-could-cost-4-3-billion/
Draft document outlines details of proposed 22-mile passenger operation
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Construction of the long-discussed, much-debated rail line to Santa Cruz using a former Southern Pacific branch line could cost up to $4.3 billion, according to a document released Friday (June 6, 2025).
The draft version of the executive summary of an upcoming report on the project, known as the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail, outlines the plan to develop 22 miles of rail line between Santa Cruz and Pajaro, Calif., as well as 12 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail.
The cost in part reflects earlier assessments that 28 of the 33 bridges on the line will require replacement, which could cost nearly $1 billion [see “Santa Cruz rail project could require …,” Trains News Wire, March 15, 2025]. Other infrastructure requirements would include new or rebuilt right-of-way, including new sidings; signals and positive train control; stations; and upgraded grade crossings. The $4.3 billion figure includes $1.96 billion for construction; $1.04 billion for land, professional services, and rolling stock ($144.3 million); and a $1.3 billion contingency fund.
The system would have an estimated annual operating cost ranging from $34 million to $41 million, with the report attributing the variation to the Santa Cruz transit agency’s experience with labor agreements and uncertainty over costs associated with potential use of hydrogen-fueled trainsets.
Operational planning assumptions in the report are based on the use of Stadler FLIRT zero-emission trainsets — which could be hydrogen, battery, or hybrid equipment — although the summary says final equipment selection would come later in the process. It calls for a fleet of 10 two-car trainsets, which could be coupled together to provide for larger trains.
The report projects daily weekday ridership of 3,500 to 6,000 passengers, with slightly lower numbers on the weekends. Trains would operate on 30-minute headways from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and serve nine possible station sites. It allows for possible freight service outside of passenger-service hours, says a possible connection with the existing seasonal Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific tourist rail operation will be considered as the project develops. It also notes says potential direct rail service to San Francisco could be pursued at a later date as part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. Such service was envisioned as part of the 2025 California State Rail Plan [see “California rail plan calls for $310 billion program …,” News Wire, Jan. 8, 2025].
The news site Santa Cruz Local reports two meetings are scheduled for this week to discuss the project: an online session on Monday, Jan. 9, with staff of the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission discussing ridership estimates and costs; and a June 12 commission meeting in which staff will present the executive summary.
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