Re: Restoring PAssenger Rail Service To Monterey
Author: Gary Hunter
Date: 08-12-2013 - 14:32
Carol, I have entertained a similar vision of rail service to Monterey for years. The idea which I entertained was to use conventional rail to an intermodal and park/ride facility on the onetime Fort Ord property, and make the remainder of the line into Monterey proper a light rail line. The most important part, with which you seem to agree, is that the MBA be served. This does not absolutely preclude freight, either. It would just require compliance with similar rules of operation that allow freight on the San Diego line. Where this concept becomes very interesting is when you consider connecting to the Santa Cruz County rail line. This connection could be either by adjacent track addition along the UP Coast, or operational agreement. Being able to "ring the Bay" seems like a very plausible tourist magnet, as well as offering commute-time relief. If Monterey Co. ever chose to pursue such an idea, it seems that a rail or bus connection to Laguna Seca and a relocated fairgrounds could add to the attraction. Being able to host large events and tourist numbers without automotive congestion would seem to be a formula equally applicable to Santa Cruz and Monterey.