Rail & Trail Within the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network
Now that the Santa Cruz Branch Line is publicly owned (by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission), students, commuters, and visitors are eager for a rail trail and passenger rail service in the coastal rail corridor.
The proposed Coastal Rail Trail will be a paved, multi-use path set within the 32-mile coastal rail corridor, spanning Santa Cruz County from Davenport to Watsonville and form an important part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network. It will provide a scenic, car-free, and convenient path for walking, biking, and wheelchair use — just about any form of active travel by people of all ages. The trail will be adjacent to and separated from train service to maximize sustainable transportation in this corridor.
Who is FORT?
Santa Cruz Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) is the community voice for building the 32-mile Coastal Rail Trail. We have advocated for over a decade for public acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, and now that the purchase is complete, FORT is working to support the timely construction of the trail. FORT is a community-based group that is fiscally sponsored by Ecology Action, and can accept tax-deductible contributions support our work.
A Coastal Rail Trail Will Connect Our Communities

The Coastal Rail Trail will be a public asset that will improve the quality of life for Santa Cruz County residents and visitors alike. The Trail runs within one mile of 42 local schools, 88 parks and 50% of our county’s population, connecting many key destinations. Separate from car traffic and nearly level, the Trail will provide an accessible way for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the Monterey Bay. By giving people a safe, attractive and fun place to walk and bike, we will improve community health, boost our local economy, and enhance our environment. The Coastal Rail Trail will make our county a more sustainable and livable community.
The Coastal Rail Trail: let’s build it!




In January 2011, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved a request from the SCC RTC to purchase the SCC coastal rail line from Union Pacific Railroad. Now we’re simply waiting for the “deal to close” and the line to come into public ownership now that all major stakeholders have approved the $14.5 million purchase.



