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.
When the line comes into public ownership we can begin working with the RTC and local jurisdictions to build segments of a rail trail, ultimately spanning the entire 32 miles from Davenport to Watsonville. We’ll also look forward to passenger rail service that helps local commuters as well as State-wide travel by connecting to high speed rail at Gilroy (Prop 1A).
We’re gearing up to raise the money, organize the community, and ultimately support the SCC RTC in building the rail trail! We invite your participation.
Federal Agency Decision Moves RTC toward Finish Line for Rail Acquisition - News from the SCC Regional Transportation Commission
12/15/11 – Washington, DC– In another historic milestone, today the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) granted a petition by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to 
acquire the 32-mile Santa CruzBranch Rail Line. The STB’s decision removes one of the final barriers for the RTC to move forward with the final stages of closing escrow on the property deal. Read the full story here
New Glitch in Rail Line Purchase: Freight Operator Does Not Renew Lease
Ironically, on Dec. 15, 2011, the same day that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) received notice that the federal Surface Transportation Board had approved the purchase agreement for the Santa Cruz Branch rail line, Sierra Northern Railroad, one of the three parties to the agreement, notified the RTC that it would not continue to operate freight service on the line after Dec. 31st. Pending the purchase of the rail line by the RTC, Sierra had been leasing the line for the past two years and had planned to initiate operations of recreational passenger rail services in 2013.
Citing significant losses on maintaining the Santa Cruz line, as well as business disagreements between Sierra and Union Pacific in areas other than Santa Cruz, Sierra has now removed its operations from the rail line. The responsibility for the line has reverted back to Union Pacific, which is apparently still committed to executing a revised purchase agreement with the RTC. How long it will take for this revised agreement to be approved by all parties remains to be seen.
FORT continues to strongly advocate for a timely, successful conclusion of the public purchase of the Santa Cruz Branch rail line, & asks others in the community to join us in urging the RTC to continue to work diligently to finalize the purchase.
On January 19, 2011, the California Transportation Commission approved a request for funding by Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to purchase the SC Branch Line. 