For more than 20 years, PCTPA has been working to extend more trains service along the Capitol Corridor rail lines. Through persistence and determination by officials in Placer County the state of California recently approved approximately $8.4 million in cap-and-trade funding to bring two new rail lines to Roseville in 2019. “It’s a long time coming,” said PCTPA Executive Director Celia McAdam. “We’re really excited that this has come together.”
Securing two new rail lines has been an arduous process due to the complexity of rail transportation. The Capitol Corridor has to contract with railroad companies that own the physical track.
“Our challenge is that Union Pacific owns the tracks,” said PCTPA Executive Director Celia McAdam. “You can’t do eminent domain; you have to work with Union Pacific to get the access.” After a long negotiation period, an agreement was made that benefited everyone.
“We’ve finally come up with a project that Union Pacific is interested in,” McAdam continued. “So it’s a win-win.”
The two new rail lines will have the ability to carry between 300 and 400 passengers. The rail lines will serve regional commuters, bay area commuters, UC students, and recreational users.
More information about the rail expansion is available here. You can learn more about other critical transportation projects in Placer County at www.keepplacermoving.com.