Transforming
Transportation

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 economic vitality, greenhouse gas reduction and efficiency for all who live, work, visit and play here.

Coast Connect is powered by Friends of Santa Cruz 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.

People.
Planet.
Prosperity.

Connecting Santa Cruz County

Coast Connect is about economic vitality, greenhouse gas reduction and efficiency for all who live, work, visit and play here.

People.
Planet.
Prosperity.

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.

Our Vision

Imagine Santa Cruz County Transformed

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

Light Passenger Rail

Clean and reliable rail service with level boarding.

Parallel Multi Use Trail

32-mile paved coastal trail from Davenport to Pajaro.

Connected Bus Lines

Bus service with pulsed timing meets the rail at each stop.

Enabling Last Mile Choices

Freedom to walk, bike, skate or wheel where we want to go.

Voices of Santa Cruz County

County residents and businesses alike are excited about the Coast Connect Vision.

Join the Movement for a Connected County

Endorse the Coast Connect Vision

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.