Caltrans transfers management of intercity San Joaquin, Surfliner routes

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
Joe Wolf

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) transferred the management of intercity rail services for the San Joaquin and Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) (Pacific Surfliner) corridors to two Joint Powers Authorities (JPA).

 

The signing of the transfer by Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty and JPA executive directors and board chairs completes the requirements that authorize Caltrans to enter into interagency transfer agreements between the state of California and the LOSSAN Agency and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. The agreements become effective July 1.

“This transfer represents a great partnership between local agencies and Caltrans and offers an opportunity for greater integration and more efficiency and lowers costs for all users,” Dougherty said. “The end result will be furthering our goal of developing a multimodal system that provides reliable and accessible mobility for travelers.”

Caltrans will provide oversight and will continue funding these two corridors with an estimated investment of $98.9 million annually.

“This is an exciting step giving leaders right here in Southern California the power to provide better rail transportation and connectivity for our passengers,” said David Golonski, chairman of the LOSSAN board of directors. “As we work to make riding the rails a more convenient option, we are confident that managing the service locally will lead to more people hopping aboard the popular Pacific Surfliner.”

LOSSAN leaders say that locally focused management will help prioritize capital-improvement projects to benefit the entire corridor and also improve coordination with connecting commuter rail and transit providers. It will also provide better oversight of mechanical and operating issues and scheduling to enhance on-time performance.

“This agreement is about engaging our local transportation partners in building a more integrated, statewide transportation system that links to revolutionary investments, such as California high-speed rail,” said California State Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly. “Through this partnership, our local partners are showing leadership in supporting transportation integration, which paves the way for a viable public transportation option for traveling between regions of the state.”

 

Tags: