I am going to "should" all over myself in regurgitating my own idea of what should/should have happened with the one-time Monterey branch. The Peninsula JPB passenger operations are preparing for eventual extension to Salinas. That will make reconnection of the branch to the coast line at Castroville (once a wye)a non-issue at such time that passenger operations are extended. The approach that should be taken is conventional rail (with freight at least possible) as far as one-time Ft. Ord. There is HUGE park and ride potential for the ex-Army fort property. Laguna Seca auto racing and the Monterey County Fair (relocated?) could be very effectively used to mitigate the huge amounts of road-clogging auto traffic from these events. From the fort to Monterey proper, the line should be developed as light rail and go as far as Cannery Row. Foamer's note here: Wouldn't be nice to take it all the way to Lake Majella once again? Musical events (jazz/rock festival?), the fair, and the races could all be turned into alternative transportation events. I personally believe that what Santa Cruz County does with the rail line over there could be very much influenced by some progressive development of the Monterey branch. Since Caltrans/JPB will be operating to Salinas, the issue of utilizing the two lines through via the Elkhorn Slough trackage to Watsonville should not be seen as unlikely. As I understand the plans, all or most of the route from San Jose to Salinas will be double-tracked in phases. I would personally like to see Caltrans/JPB service Santa Cruz with their conventional fleet. Some natural gas-powered diesels would help with environmental issues. Service between Monterey ad Santa Cruz would be excellent. I think the NIMBYs of Aptos should take a cold, sobering look at the traffic congestion along the Hwy 1 corridor between Watsonville and Santa Cruz before opening their yaps again. Multi millions for highway solutions or a few million for track rehab and utilization of mostly existing Caltrains equipment?
OK Carol, I'm exhaling now.