Monterey Branch Line

Association of Environmental Professionals

and

American Planning AssociationJuly 28, 2010

Monterey Peninsula:Why do we need rapid transit?

Two-lane highways

Congestion; Buses also stuck

Highway widening opportunities limited

More future growth along the corridor

Green alternative

•Goal: Reestablish rail/rapid bus service on Monterey Branch Line

•Purchased from Union Pacific in 2003

•Many alternatives studied since purchase

Light RailBenefits

High Capacity Vehicles 100 passengers Ability to add train cars

Quiet Low Emissions Safe Supports Transit Oriented

Development Carries:

wheelchairs Bicycles

MST Operates

Initial Phase• Every 15 to 30 Minutes• Transfer to Salinas

Characteristics:

Custom House Plaza - Marina Green

10.15 miles fixed guideway

Peak: 15 minutes Off-peak: 30 minutes 6 vehicles 11 stations

Capital Cost: $145.0M

Operating Cost: $4.2M Boardings (Daily): 3,725

Reservation - Downtown

Dunes at Monterey Bay

8th St. Art District CSUMB Seaside Broadway

Urban Village

Monterey Branch Line: Transit-Oriented Development

Environmental Review

Environmental Documents State Federal

Noise/Vibration Safety Crime Sea Level Rise

Conceptual Engineering Station Development Off-site Traffic Access Improvements

Federal Transit Administration Small Starts Report Preparation

Funding

Capital $ 145 M Secured $ 25.0 M

Spent $ 12.4 M Unsecured $120.0 M

Federal Small Starts State Public Transportation Account Impact fees

Operations $ 4.2 M /year Fares $ 1.1 M Lease Revenues $ 3.1 M

Short-Term Activities

Alternatives Analysis Selection of Preferred Alternative –

Oct. 2009 Public Outreach

Visual Simulation Public Hearings

Draft Environmental Document – Dec. 2010

Final Environmental Document – July 2011

Monterey Branch Line: TimelineMonterey to Marina

Environmental Documents 2009-11 Engineering & Design 2011-12 Construction 2013-14 Start of Service 2015

Questions?