Letter to the Editor
Letter: Don’t lose rail opportunity in Santa Cruz County

Transportation throughout Santa Cruz has become a major topic of concern over the past few years as we have increased our tourism load on top of the daily work commute. The rail trail that has been in the works for over 14 years has the potential to alleviate some of that problem by adding a beautiful new transportation and tourism option. The plans do include a path for bikes and walkers. The purchase of the rail line took years of hard work and the federal government is adding financial backing, but only if we build the rail line.


This rail route goes through some of the most beautiful coastal lands in the world. Imagine getting on the trail in Santa Cruz and traveling peacefully all the way to Monterey with connections to Amtrak and the rest of the nation.

If the rails are torn out for just a bike and walking path, we will lose forever this rail line that could carry many, including seniors, handicapped and children, in all weather conditions. The new generation engines are quiet, energy efficient and less polluting that the diesel trucks on Highway 1.

— Larry Detloff, Santa Cruz

Among the comments are these gems:

From Brian Peoples: Yes, federal government under Mr. Trump is going to fund your cho-cho....


From another poster: Hi Brian--I notice you post a lot. What would Santa Cruz county have to do in order to get an elevated public transportation system that gets people around the county to their jobs and back?


To Brian Peoples: The rails are staying in place. Read the latest from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz at the link below.

[www.landtrustsantacr]...

In the meantime, Roaring Camp announced at a RTC meeting earlier this year that they want to expand their passenger operation on the RTC’s branch line beyond their current trips to the Boardwalk. Trains are here to stay.

From Peoples: - good reason not to donate to Land Trust...

SC Sentinel