Santa Cruz County Transit and Transportation Agency Meetings - Audio Tracks

Real property acquisition for bus parking in Watsonville

SC Metro Basic info

The video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

The agenda is here:

https://scmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.08.22-Board-Minutes.pdf

CEO's Report

SC Metro Basic info

The video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

The agenda is here:

https://scmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.08.22-Board-Minutes.pdf

Consent Agenda

SC Metro Basic info

The video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

The agenda is here:

https://scmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.08.22-Board-Minutes.pdf

I included public comments this time because it was the first mention of a problem with a temporary Hydrogen Fueling device.

SC Metro Basic info

The video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

The agenda is here:

https://scmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.08.22-Board-Minutes.pdf

Director's Reports

SC Metro Basic info

The video is here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9N9AsVOVvT_Ae6YrLvf_pJKSTzuuMqX

The agenda is here:

https://scmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.08.22-Board-Minutes.pdf

ZEPRT Final Project Concept Report Q&A

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw

Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Final Project Concept Report

The Commission received a presentation on the ero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) Final Project Concept, and accepted the Final Project Concept Report. The report presents the project concept developed for the proposed implementation of a new daily passenger rail service and multi-use trail operating on the RTC-owned Branch Line corridor. The report also details the development and related background, analysis, assumptions, findings, and potential next steps. The next phase of the ZEPRT Project would be to complete preliminary engineering and environmental analysis. However, there is a $14 to $15 million funding gap for this work, and the work is on hold until additional funds are secured. The Commission also approved a Resolution of Support for future passenger rail and continued partnership with the Caltrans Division of Rail on Corridor Identification and Development, which aligns with the 2024 State Rail Plan.

Additionally, the Commission voted in favor of developing the Interim Trail (trail in place of existing tracks) for Coastal Rail Trail Segments 9-11 between the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz and State Park Drive in Aptos on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line while continuing long-term planning for future passenger rail on the line. This change is necessitated to reduce project costs and save significant grant funding for the Coastal Rail Trail, which otherwise would be eliminated or substantially reduced. The Commission directed staff to return within two months with a proposal to allow the construction of the Interim Trail without the need for adverse abandonment of the freight easement or railbanking. Staff were also directed to prepare the final design for and take any other actions needed to implement the Interim Trail on Coastal Rail Trail Projects as expeditiously as possible, and additionally requested that staff investigate a design alternative that does not require the removal of the tracks. Staff were also directed to pursue options to retrofit the Capitola Trestle for bicycle and pedestrian use either as part of the project already under development or as a separate future project.

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw

Railbanking Overview

The Commission received an informational overview of railbanking as it relates to the RTC-owned Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (SCBRL). Railbanking is the process of preserving a rail corridor for future rail use while removing freight service obligations. Staff provided a background of the SCBRL ownership and preservation strategy, an overview of the railbanking process, and how the railbanking process could apply to the SCBRL.

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw

Amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 RTC Budget & Work Program and Measure D Budget

The Commission approved amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 RTC Budget & Work Program and Measure D budget to incorporate information from prior year-end balances, new projects or funds, updated estimates, and other necessary changes for regional programming and pass- through revenues, operating, and capital. Proposed budget changes to the RTC Budget and Overall Work Program include updates to specific line items including staffing resources for staffing of two new positions, administration increases due to salary, overhead and legal costs, and planning program budget for planning efforts. The proposed FY 2025-26 budget amendment for Measure D includes proposed amendments to programming for projects and programs that receive Measure D funds, including San Lorenzo/Highway 9, Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing, Rail, Active Transportation/Coastal Rail Trail and Highway.

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw

Caltrans Report

RTC Documents are here:

https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/

Original video is here:

https://youtu.be/xwsBGsvKdl0?si=x-lMlYsxYT_XAmdw