Title
Adopt a Resolution in support of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s (TAMC) efforts to help bring a pilot rail service connecting Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer 2028 Olympics.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a Resolution in support of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s (TAMC’s) effort to help bring a pilot rail service connecting Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer 2028 Olympics.
SUMMARY:
TAMC adopted Resolution 2026-07 on June 24, 2026, formally supporting the proposed pilot rail service between San Luis Obispo and San Jose. This pilot would use existing track to close the only gap in state supported passenger rail between the Capitol Corridor and the Pacific Surfliner, giving Central Coast residents and Olympic visitors a seamless, one seat rail option between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
The resolution highlights that current rail infrastructure can accommodate additional service if equipment and crews are made available. It also notes that the Coast Rail Coordinating Council-of which TAMC is a member-is identifying required planning, capital, and operating funds. TAMC is coordinating closely with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), which is leading development of the service proposal. Together, TAMC, SLOCOG, and the state are working on the operating plan necessary to advance funding discussions and negotiations with rail operators.
DISCUSSION:
TAMC does not yet have specific milestones or funding deadlines, as the service proposal is still under development. State support for the Capitol Corridor and LOSSAN Corridor Annual Business Plans-which restored both services to pre-COVID levels-extends only through June 2027. TAMC’s resolution calls for fully funding both plans beyond that date to maintain current service and enable the Central Coast expansion needed for the pilot. Continued funding is also essential for Monterey County’s planned rail extension.
A decline in Cap-and-Invest revenue may further impact capital funding for rail projects, underscoring the urgency of securing stable operating support.
TAMC requests continued support for full funding of the Capitol Corridor and LOSSAN Corridor Annual Business Plans past June 2027, including the extension to San Luis Obispo, and further requests the Board of Supervisors support of TAMC, SLOCOG, and the Coast Rail Coordinating Council’s efforts to launch this pilot service in time for the 2028 Olympics
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The proposed resolution was developed in coordination with TAMC.
FINANCING:
There is no cost to supporting this effort via a resolution.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This project aligns with the County of Monterey’s goals related to infrastructure, support for rail service, and diverse and thriving economy. This effort would also benefit the important hospitality and tourism efforts of the County of Monterey.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__X__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
__X_ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Nicole Hollingsworth, Legislative Program Manager, Ext, 3040
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer, ext 5145
Attachments: Draft Resolution