Regional agencies push forward plans to extend Caltrain and Capital Corridor service to Salinas

TAMC Executive Director Todd Mook and Planning Director Christina Watson presented an update to the Salinas City Council on Oct. 28 about long‑running plans to increase passenger rail service to Salinas.

Watson said TAMC is coordinating extensions of two services: Capital Corridor trains from the Bay Area and Caltrain service south from Gilroy. The agency is also working with the Caltrans Division of Rail and the Federal Railroad Administration on corridor improvements and on positive train control safety technology. Watson said a state infrastructure grant supports corridor improvements and that TAMC expects to use existing Union Pacific tracks for early operations.

TAMC officials described three primary project elements: a downtown station reconfiguration and safer pedestrian crossing at Lincoln and Market streets (already built), a proposed layover facility west of the station for train storage and light maintenance, and a track connection at Gilroy that would allow Caltrain equipment to continue south. Watson said Union Pacific has reviewed and approved 25% design submittals for the layover facility and that her office has resubmitted 25% plans for the Gilroy connection.

On cost and schedule, Watson said the total project budget is approximately $86,000,000, which includes preconstruction work; she noted specific line‑item estimates for the Gilroy track connection are available on the TAMC website and in project flyers. TAMC officials said state funds are committed for major pieces of the projects and that additional competitive grants would be pursued to fill any gaps. They described operational targets subject to agency and railroad approvals: Capital Corridor service could be implemented as early as 2027 and Caltrain extension operations are targeted optimistically for 2028 but remain contingent on Union Pacific negotiations, regulatory steps and equipment availability.

Councilmembers pressed TAMC about rail safety where encampments and unhoused residents occupy right‑of‑way areas; Councilmember Salazar cited a recent death on the tracks. Watson said mitigation of encampments and security of the Union Pacific right‑of‑way is outside TAMC’s direct project scope because Union Pacific owns the corridor, but added that more active rail service and coordination with operators (Caltrain, Capital Corridor) and Union Pacific can increase oversight. TAMC said it will advocate for including safety and right‑of‑way protection measures in operational agreements but stressed that clearance of encampments and enforcement are primarily city and railroad responsibilities.

Council members asked for clarity on timelines, Union Pacific negotiations, and funding sources; TAMC said further design milestones (30%, 90%, 100% for UP review) and negotiations about encroachments and maintenance agreements remain. Watson said the agency would initiate site visits and formal negotiations with Union Pacific after the railroad completes its reviews.

TAMC asked the council to remain engaged as local partners and noted the agency would support pursuit of state and federal grants for next stages.