Edhat Staff
Santa Barbara County is one step closer to bringing Metrolink’s commuter train service to its residents. Members of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) gathered on Wednesday to present their efforts in establishing a new commuter rail line that will connect Moorpark to Goleta. The proposed project aims to enhance transportation options for commuters and alleviate congestion on the roads.
The estimated cost for the first year of operation of this potential morning commuter line is projected to be $4.4 million.
The route, as outlined in the presentation, includes several stops along the way. These stops have been strategically chosen to cater to the needs of commuters, ensuring easy access to key destinations.
The northbound train plans to make the following stops: Moorpark at 6:38 a.m., Camarillo at 6:50 a.m., Oxnard at 7:00 a.m., Ventura at 7:12 a.m., Carpinteria at 7:35 a.m., Santa Barbara at 7:51 a.m., and Goleta at 8:03 a.m.
To move the project forward, the SBCAG Board of Directors has entrusted their staff with the responsibility of preparing a formal agreement. This agreement will involve Metrolink, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, and the rail agency LOSSAN (which represents the 351-mile Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor).
Once finalized, the agreement is expected to be available for acceptance during the summer and could pave the way for the new train service to be launched as early as October of this year.
Initially, the program will be implemented as a one-year pilot demonstration, providing an opportunity to evaluate and gauge the service’s effectiveness. Based on the feedback and demand, there will be the option to extend the service beyond the pilot phase.
Funding for this ambitious transportation project is expected to come from several sources, including the SBCAG Measure A South Coast Subprogram, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, and future fare revenues.
The allocation of funds demonstrates the commitment and enthusiasm that both Santa Barbara and Ventura counties hold for establishing a reliable and convenient commuter rail service connecting the two regions.
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Fantastic! The commute from the south to SB or Goleta is atrocious. This should be a welcome transportation option.
*welcomed
Let’s hope that a free shuttle takes people from the stops to their destinations.
More important than the cost (though of course it has to be affordable) is the time factor. We will need lots of connecting buses to make this train work for people. If they have to wait half an hour for a connecting bus/shuttle, and still have to walk a few blocks to their destination, it will lose its appeal. But it’s a great development.
Is there something different between the Metrolink and what appears to be an existing Amtrak service?
Everything is different, except for the tracks. Google is your friend.
Super helpful there, tagdes. Not.
Thank you, I’m always here to help.
Um yes – that was a real question. There was train service – now there is more. Is there more to it than that?
Don’t rely on edhat for general news! But yes, Google IS your friend.
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/santa-barbara-agency-asks-for-agreement-for-launch-of-metrolink-service/
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/santa-barbara-agency-asks-for-agreement-for-launch-of-metrolink-service/
https://www.noozhawk.com/officials-on-track-to-bring-metrolink-train-service-from-ventura-county-to-santa-barbara-goleta/
https://www.independent.com/2024/05/09/a-train-might-finally-complement-the-lane-in-santa-barbara-county/
I have to read up on this too, because re: Metrolink, all I saw in an article was times INTO SB, not returning.
I think more luxury buses, like Coastal Express, might be best in terms of investment and usage. I’ve worked where they do pickup in front or a block away, at hospitals.
Whoops, obviously, the return is on the Surfliner. I recommend the Independent article for the best overall information.
LA County extended its Metro Link after the big earthquake wiped out the I-5 and I-14 freeways to the Antelope Valley.
Or it still a puzzle that Ventura and SB County did nothing.
But even SD and LA Counties not cross their lines to get more business. ie just governments.
Yet a cheaper option would be to run street to rail buses on
the Amtrak reails. So there is an option to leave the rail and
go on to employment sites.
And to pick up passengers from housing areas – ie Ojai, SP,
Fillmore, Saticoy, etc.
rp
ps. Maybe Bakersfield can run a train from Kern County to
Mojave and Barstow – to link up to the LA to Vegas train! But
i still not clear on how the system makes money. Or is not just a money pit for taxpayers to fill. ie like the LA to Sacramento train.