Connecting
Santa Cruz
County

Coast Connect is a community vision for an equitable and sustainable transportation system serving Santa Cruz County, including the 32-mile Coastal Rail Trail from Watsonville to Davenport, eco-friendly passenger rail between Watsonville and Santa Cruz, synchronized bus connections, and safe streets for biking and walking.

Coast Connect is about a climate friendly transportation network that supports equity and prosperity for all who live, work, and play here. 

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People.
Planet.
Prosperity.

Connecting Santa Cruz County

Coast Connect envisions a transportation system in Santa Cruz County that includes innovative rail technology, a wide and safe trail system, and integrated options to reach our final destinations via METRO buses, bicycling, walking and ride sharing. 

Coast Connect is about a climate friendly transportation network that supports equity and prosperity for all who live, work, and play here.

Coast Connect is powered by the Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail and Trail, a local nonprofit that has advocated since 2002 for an inclusive 32-mile bike and pedestrian trail, adjacent to passenger rail transit, to serve and connect the entire county from Watsonville to Davenport.

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People.
Planet.
Prosperity.

Our Vision

Imagine Santa Cruz County Transformed

A robust, modern, and efficient transportation system connects everyone in Santa Cruz County and supports our shared values of equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all. 

Rail and Multi-Use Trail as a Spine.
Synchronized Connecting Bus Lines.
Safe Streets for Personal Mobility.

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Our Vision

Imagine Santa Cruz County Transformed

A robust, modern, and efficient transportation system connects everyone in Santa Cruz County, creates economic opportunities, and reflects our shared values of equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.

Rail and Multi-Use Trail as a Spine.
Connected Cross-County Bus Lines.
Expanded Personal Mobility Choices.

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Voices of
Santa Cruz County

County residents and businesses believe in the Coast Connect Vision. 
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“Having safe, reliable, fast transportation to and from South County is critical to bringing our communities together on equal terms.”
Kaki RusmoreSoquel, CA
"I will be able to use public transportation to get to work."
Margo RossWatsonville, CA
“Rail--it will change hundreds of people's lives for the good!”
Maureen DavidsonSanta Cruz, CA
“More healthy, less expensive, less traffic congestion, fewer cars.”
Tony Fleig
"Rail services built the county over 100 years ago and our county is uniquely developed to benefit from a linear rail services.”
Ross ClarkSanta Cruz, CA
“...rail options provide for a great deal more space for bicycles, wheelchairs and other essential modes of transit many of us rely on.”
Judy CassadaLive Oak, CA
“[Let’s] provide big solutions to climate change, air pollution, and quality of life. It’s time to take big action!”
Adrienne FrisbeeSanta Cruz, CA
“[Let’s] be thinking long-term into the future and set up systems that will work in very reduced climate impact world...and increase our equity in the county.”
Kaki RusmoreSoquel, CA
“We have the opportunity to build an equitable and sustainable transit system, which will make life better here.”
Bogdan VitocAptos, CA
“Bringing train service to Watsonville brings equitable transportation options countywide.”
Gina ColeExecutive Director, BSSC
"I support the Coast Connect Vision because…I’m tired of driving and have better things to do.”
Bruce SawhillSanta Cruz, CA
“Rail services built the county over 100 years ago and our county is uniquely developed to benefit from a linear rail services.”
Ross ClarkSanta Cruz, CA
“Bringing train service to Watsonville brings equitable transportation options countywide.”
Gina ColeExecutive Director, BSCC
“The Coast Connect vision crystalizes and consolidates many themes of responsible urban planning and efficient, equitable, integrated non-car transportation for Santa Cruz County!”
David Van BrinkSanta Cruz, CA
"Coast Connect has the potential to unite our County for equity, the environment, health, safety & quality of life.”
Sally ArnoldBoard Chair, FORT
“The Coast Connect vision is modern, inclusive, affordable, essential, safe, clean, fast, efficient, timely, and transformative.”
Barry ScottAptos
"I support the Coast Connect Vision because it provides a more equitable, sustainable, prosperous future for everyone.”
Mark Mestiti-MillerSanta Cruz, CA
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See Our Endorsers

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FORT Volunteers

Friends of the Rail and Trail

Coast Connect is a project of the Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) – a grassroots advocacy group founded in 2002. FORT was instrumental in the County’s decision to purchase the coastal rail corridor. Our vision has always been to expand access to public transit alongside a safe, car free, continuous cycling and pedestrian path.
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FORT Volunteers

Friends of the Rail and Trail

Coast Connect is a project of the Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) – a grassroots advocacy group founded in 2002. FORT was instrumental in the County’s decision to purchase the coastal rail corridor. Our vision has always been to expand access to public transit alongside a safe, car free, continuous cycling and pedestrian path.
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