I have always been a proponent of rail with trail since the Santa Cruz Branchline Rail corridor was purchased by the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) in 2012.
I felt proud to live in a county that made such a momentous decision. The last 13 years of rail studies and debate, although healthy, has left many frustrated, and some have even walked away from this issue. The 7-5 vote at the RTC last November indicates that the rail line, with the trail, is still in play, but that the various sides may be coming closer to a useful outcome.
Two things happened that clarified a way forward. The Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) study was released that revealed train construction cost estimates of $4.3 billion (in 2025 dollars) and $40-$60 million in annual operating and maintenance costs; and the County and RTC staff received the largest Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant in state history. The ATP grant was for Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 through 11.
Segment 8 is on Beach Sreet in front of the Boardwalk, which is the Ultimate Trail since it leaves the tracks for Roaring Camp. Segments 9-11 are from the San Lorenzo River Trestle to State Park Drive in Aptos and will be designed for the grant-affordable Interim Trail.
Unfortunately, the cost to build the Ultimate trail that leaves the rail in place exceeded the grant amount by more than $70 million - money the RTC says it does not have. Because of this and to preserve the grant money, the RTC compromised and voted to direct staff to focus on the more achievable Interim trail design that could be built with the ATP grant funding.
I would like to see the trail built as soon as possible because I realize that rail will take longer due to the enormous amount of capital needed. I support work on the trail moving forward. My hope is to see bicycles and walkers on these and other trail sections as soon as possible while still preserving the possibility of rail in the future.