This is a good, but tiny start, but also a perfect example of our lack of a true state rail plan. I worked on the LOSSAN North improvement studies before retiring, and the level of detailed planning that was done on that, seems to be somewhat lacking here?

Of course we studied a staged full "optimal" build out on LOSSAN north that provided potential capacity for up to 20 round trips per day to SLO, assumed Santa Barbara commuter service, a full Orange County Metrolink segment service levels (if Ventura ever funds it), and significantly additional capacity for future freight demands. This segment, at full build out Would be fully CTC'd, with significant new siding capacity, and completion of all of the urban double tracking, staging and storage, which would cost around $500 million.

And, this Salinas extension sounds like an orphan project, without that degree of imagination, vision, or a similar long range plan.

So is this project being run by Caltrans, Capitol Corridor JPA, or the locals?