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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & Documents

1.     What is the Rail Trail?

31 miles of rail corridor from Davenport to Watsonville that could be a multi use trail for cyclists, pedestrians, and light rail

2.     How can the Rail Trail Become a Reality?

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC)  has agreed to purchase the rail corridor from Union Pacific. The SCCRTC must now access funding sources for the purchase

3.     How Will the SCCRTC pay for the corridor?

  The most logical way is to use $11 million dollars of State Prop 116 funds. 116 was approved by voters in 1990, and Santa Cruz County taxpayers have been paying into the 116 rail fund since that time (14 years). They can now reclaim their rail transportation money, as many counties in California have already done.

In order to qualify for Prop 116 funds, the SCCRTC must implement some form of passenger/recreational rail service. A recreational train running from Capitola to Aptos has been proposed and studied for both financial and environmental impacts.

The SCCRTC can match the 116 funding with $10 million of STIP funds, which have already been allocated.

4.     What impacts will the proposed tourist train have on the community?

 The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shows that, with minor mitigation, the environmental impacts are “less than significant” in every category (noise, pollution, and traffic). As you would expect, the train has about the same impact as a bus.

One important benefit is an increase in property values.  Trails and train stations nearly always increase the value of nearby homes according to studies by the National Association of Home Builders and Nat’l Assn. of Realtors (see studies on www.santacruztrail.org).

 The Rail Trail would be a tremendous community resource for local residents, provide an alternative transportation route to crowded Hwy 1, and give tourists cycle access to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. The train will provide Aptos and Capitola business owners with a valuable tourist attraction, and improve Capitola parking issues. It is likely that local students will be offered use of the train for a reduced rate for local commutes.

5.     Who supports the use of 116 funds?

There is widespread support from diverse groups for:  the use of 116 funds, the recreational rail from Capitola to Aptos, and building the rail trail from Davenport to Watsonville:

6.     Where do SCCRTC Commissioners stand on the issue of 116 funding?

7.     Who opposes the use of 116 funds for the corridor purchase?
Only two organizations have gone on record opposing the use of 116 funds: an Aptos neighborhood group called “SCARRED” and the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Supervisor Ellen Pirie and Supervisor Jan Beautz have also been outspoken in their opposition to using Prop 116 funding, preferring instead to tax residents again via Measure J (defeated, Nov. 2004).

8.     Who ultimately makes the decision? 
The Regional Transportation Commission.  RTC’s overarching purpose is to “set priorities for major capital improvements to our transportation infrastructure, including highways, major roads, rail and alternative transportation facilities.”  Source:  SCCRTC

In March, 2003, The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) agreed to begin an EIR (by a 9-3 vote) on a proposal for a recreational coastal rail from Aptos to Capitola, opening the door to using Prop 116 funds, already available for purchase of the UP rail corridor.  In April, 2004, supervisor Ellen Pirie proposed killing the Environmental Impact Report which was 95% complete.  Due to a great community showing and strong leadership by several Commissioners, Pirie’s motion was defeated.

9.     Can a recreational trolley between Capitola and Aptos pay for itself?

Numerous expert sources have verified that the proposed trolley would be profitable, just like other tourist trains, such as Roaring Camp.

The Business Plan created by SYSTRA consulting draws concludes that the trolley will be profitable. In the “Most Likely scenario… In the year 2005, revenue to the RTC would be $6,100.” The Business Plan states that “Revenues from transportation and other uses are greater than, or equal to, operating costs”

Roaring Camp writes “Roaring Camp would willingly enter into a contract with the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to guarantee to provide recreational rail, without fare box subsidies, for up to 50 years (or whatever time is needed) that will comply with the funding requirements of State Proposition 116.”

Sierra Railroad writes “…we would guarantee to provide service, without fare box subsidies, to comply with the funding requirements of Proposition 116 funds contemplated for use in acquiring the Santa Cruz branch from Union Pacific Railroad.”

10.  What are the main arguments against using 116 funds?

Opponents claim that taking 116 money from the State would be risky and the State may require us to pay them back. Yet the facts show otherwise: Since the measure was passed back in 1990, The State has given out nearly $2 BILLION to counties all over California.  Monterey County recently accepted $17 million.  Cal Trans writes that repayment is very unlikely:

“…there are a couple of very viable options available to SCCRTC that could preclude the repayment of funds…submit an alternate operating plan …propose an alternate project that meets the criteria of the legislation.  The Commission is committed to working with SCCRTC to find any viable options for a rail project within your county should the currently proposed plan cease.”

Opponents claim that the recreational Rail Line is not economically viable.  The facts show otherwise; The expert rail Business Plan, as well as two independent operators of rail services (Sierra Railroad and Roaring Camp) have both provided concluded that the trolley will be profitable.

11.  What can I do to help? 

1. Sign a petition today.  The petition will create a voter initiative that will appear on the XXXX 2006 ballot, allowing Santa Cruz County voters to  request that the RTC purchase the rail corridor using existing 116 funds.

2. Volunteer.  Opponents of the rail trail are working hard to kill the rail trail. Volunteers who favor the rail trail and train can make a difference by writing, creating artwork (for t-shirts and web sites), doing multimedia, accounting, organizing fundraising events, public speaking, and much more. Visit www.santacruztrail.org for contact information.

3. Write a letter to the Sentinel, Good Times, or Metro Santa Cruz to express your support. www.santacruzsentinel.com,

4. E-Mail the Regional Transportation Commission members.  Let them know you support purchase of the Corridor Right of Way using 116 funds.

5. Vist our website for periodic updates and more in-depth coverage:  www.santacruztrail.org

Rail Trails in the US

Did you know that over 1,000 trails have been developed in US rail corridors? Read more about rail trails around the country.

Rail Trails Increase Property Values

Trails and train stations nearly always increase the value of nearby homes. Read studies by the National Assn. of Realtors and Nat'l Association of Home Builders. Another study confirms property value gains.