PLEASE SEE OUR UPDATED ACTION HERE:
Thank you to everyone who sent email urging the RTC to accept the passenger rail Business Plan. You turned out in huge numbers, sending around 250 emails of support. The Business Plan provides a clear path for adding rail service to our current public transportation system. Once accepted, this plan will allow us to move forward with preparing an Environmental Impact Report and formally requesting state and federal funds to keep the project rolling.
Unfortunately, despite the staff recommendation and this strong show of public support, the vote at the April RTC meeting was tied at 6 to 6. The 6 ‘no’ votes were effectively votes to kill the project and abandon planning for rail transportation.
The commissioners need to hear from us to continue planning for passenger rail, before the next RTC meeting on Thursday, May 6th!
We have created a quick and easy form to send an email. Please click here to use the form below to make your voice heard in support of adding zero-emissions rail to our public transportation system.
We know that when asked, 74% of the county supports zero-emissions passenger rail. We’re asking you to email the Commissioners today to make sure they keep moving forward with planning. Projects that are ‘shovel-ready’ are most competitive to win state and federal grants. If we stop planning now, we will lose those funding opportunities, and lose the opportunity to implement passenger rail in Santa Cruz County.
Passenger rail service will:
- Dramatically improve the commute for South County workers stuck in traffic
- Reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change
- Increase the use of public transportation across the county to 250% of current usage.
- Improve mobility for youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and bicycle commuters
- Improve safety and walkability in our neighborhoods by reducing neighborhood traffic
We have an opportunity to make dramatic positive change for the future of Santa Cruz County. Every action you take makes a difference in keeping the momentum going. Your action keeps the pressure on the deciders to continue in the right direction.
Please click here to email the commissioners now, and thank you for helping to create a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone!
If you would like to read the full Business Plan, click here to see it on the RTC website.
