tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post3010953194039121879..comments2023-10-30T09:03:07.163-07:00Comments on California High Speed Rail Blog: Anaheim-SF by 2014, and more Altamont-PachecoRobert Cruickshankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-88470383910053197202008-06-01T23:09:00.000-07:002008-06-01T23:09:00.000-07:00If the Altamont alignment is built, is it suitable...If the Altamont alignment is built, is it suitable for high speed rail? The present ACE alignment takes 2 hours from Stockton to San Jose. It has a lot of turns.<BR/><BR/>- WadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-31787728738748888012008-05-15T09:17:00.000-07:002008-05-15T09:17:00.000-07:00The inclusion of the 950 millions in the fall bond...The inclusion of the 950 millions in the fall bond measure is nothing but pork. It was included to get various other transportation agencies (I believe there are 36 in the Bay area alone) from opposing the bond measure.<BR/><BR/>After all there is only so much money to go around. Were these agencies going to get nothing while the total pot was going to be delivered to CHSRA?<BR/><BR/>It is all money and politics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-86439169350357123692008-05-11T23:24:00.000-07:002008-05-11T23:24:00.000-07:00Here's an article about the return of a Coast D...Here's an <A HREF="http://www.newtimes-slo.com/news/137/all-aboarda-slo-sf-train-is-on-the-way/" REL="nofollow"> article </A> about the return of a Coast Daylight service on Amtrak from a Central Coast newspaper. Interestingly, the article says the supporters of this are thinking of opposing high speed rail. I know this doesn't pertain directly to the battle of the passes but it is rail news in another part of the state that won't reap the benefits of HSR.Brandi Eng-Rohrbachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11475542927299092247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-35697298551076479822008-05-09T19:43:00.000-07:002008-05-09T19:43:00.000-07:00Robert,I can't remember the source, but I do recal...Robert,<BR/>I can't remember the source, but I do recall reading something about certain segments of the HSR line opening around 2013; ie San Francisco to San Jose line, Irvine to LA. Perhaps it's easier to bring the current Caltrain line up to speed as opposed to segments in the mountains (tunnels, bridges). Can you foresee the HSR line being opened in phases or all in one segment in 2018?Tony D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03392232221747908883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-23279381375466475782008-05-09T00:18:00.000-07:002008-05-09T00:18:00.000-07:00Unfortunately, I think Assemblywoman Galgiani's st...Unfortunately, I think Assemblywoman Galgiani's statement that HSR might be ready by 2014 won't pan out in terms of engineering. That's 6 years from now, and the funding hasn't even been secured yet nor do I believe that CAHSRA has contracted with anyone for construction of any portion of the system. Take the Transbay Terminal for one, it's not slated to be complete until 2019 at the earliest. I'd love to see it, but I'm not sure how that's realistic...<BR/><BR/>I've never heard of these TRANSDEF people, but I agree with you Robert. They're beating a dead horse, and arguing over the alignment at this point only hurts the project overall. I do applaud Asm. Galgiani for pushing for a greater share of feeder system funds going towards ACE; this can only improve HSR in the Bay Area.Kevin Gonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423522422538121977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-28274492311435772902008-05-08T17:52:00.000-07:002008-05-08T17:52:00.000-07:00Well, tony d., I don't have any pull with the CHSR...Well, tony d., I don't have any pull with the CHSRA board (despite what our critics say). But taking the $6 billion from the BART to San José project that is never going to happen would be a good way to get the money we're looking for to upgrade the Altamont corridor, along with some of the money that Galgiani is seeking from the November bond.<BR/><BR/>As to TRANSDEF, on what basis exactly are they planning to sue? Why would a judge take them seriously? Their threat is to try and tie up the CHSRA in litigation. It's pointless and damaging to the environmental, economic, and transportation needs of our state.<BR/><BR/>As to the decision-making process, leaving it up to the Legislature would have been very unwise. They would not have had it settled until later this year, as the budget is pushing aside all other issues. It was right to have the CHSRA decide it. Pacheco has been chosen and let's make it work instead of endlessly rehashing this argument. That horse isn't getting any deader.Robert Cruickshankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-41122400218339074472008-05-08T10:09:00.000-07:002008-05-08T10:09:00.000-07:00I think a lot of people forget that cities along t...I think a lot of people forget that cities along the Altomont corridor DO NOT WANT the high speed rail running through their backyard (i.e. Fremont, Livermore, Pleasanton). They found out the route would need to be expanded to 4 tracks running over the hills and they didn't like that idea. If I recall correctly, the city councils spoke out against the project. <BR/><BR/>So it makes me mad people are taking out their angers on the CAHSR authority alignment choice. Go take your anger out with your city councils which you voted into office. I too thought the HSR alignment would attract more riders through the Altomont Pass, but changed my opinion when the city councils spoke out against it. Suit yourselves.<BR/><BR/>Besides, if the HSR project is a huge success, which I believe it will be. Caltrain can use some of their equipment to add/run an east line and allow more room on the tracks between San Jose and SF. Making a spider web of commuter trains.<BR/><BR/>Lets just start building the segment as planned for alleviating congestion between SF an LA. People need to realize that not everyone can have this train run next to them, but get over it. This is why we are falling behind on everything we do. Too much politics!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-4052504073272206202008-05-08T09:29:00.000-07:002008-05-08T09:29:00.000-07:00anon 7:37,Thanks for commenting on my initial post...anon 7:37,<BR/>Thanks for commenting on my initial post. It just bugs the hell out of me that some small group that didn't get its way (over alignments) could cause possible delays and cost over-runs with a lawsuit. You're right in that olive branches need to be extended; but they also need to be ACCEPTED. My view as a citizen of Santa Clara County is that if BART to SJ doesn't happen, why not put that funding (now pegged at $6 billion) towards a full-fledged ACE high-speed corridor. Talk about an expensive "olive branch" from people who supported the Pacheco alignment! $4-6 billion for ACE, in conjunction with other monies, would get SCCounty/Bay Area TWO high-speed rail lines, which in my view is the ultimate scenario. By beloved San Jose doesn't get its sexy urban metro, but our entire region benefits with a shifting of Measure A funding/priorities.<BR/><BR/>Robert, anyway you could forward my idea to someone who is "large and in charge." Diridon, Guardino, etc.?Tony D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03392232221747908883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-11115554433175693782008-05-08T07:37:00.000-07:002008-05-08T07:37:00.000-07:00@ tony d. -TRANSDEF has a history of litigation, s...@ tony d. -<BR/><BR/>TRANSDEF has a history of litigation, some of it successful. And while CSHRA conducted extensive consultation in the EIR/EIS process, it's always a matter of debate if a far-reaching public policy decision affecting so many taxpayers should be taken by a small number of unelected bureaucrats.<BR/><BR/>This lawsuit could have been avoided if the choice of route had been put to the state assembly instead. Altamont supporters also shot themselves royally in the foot by insisting on a new Dumbarton bridge instead of routing all trains around the South Bay.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I support the Pacheco alignment because HSR is supposed to be first and foremost a fast link between the Bay Area and SoCal - the two economic hearts of the state. However, the process that led to the decision was - in the eyes of TRANSDEF and others - biased and suspect.<BR/><BR/>Many are prepared to accept the behind-the-scenes influence of politicians as par for the course. Others are not. <I>You</I> may consider TRANSDEF's lawsuit frivolous, but I doubt a judge is going to dismiss it out of hand. The trouble is, even if they lose they could cause expensive delays and cost over-runs.<BR/><BR/>That's why it was important for Asm. Gagliani to extend an olive branch, though in the long run I fear it will take more than a few freight bypasses to settle the issue out of court.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-12143876586219108422008-05-08T06:40:00.000-07:002008-05-08T06:40:00.000-07:00$95 million for ACE is a useful amount for near-te...$95 million for ACE is a useful amount for near-term improvements to the existing service. I'm sure San Joaquin and Amador Valley commuters would appreciate higher speed, but job #1 is getting ACE trains to run on time. <BR/><BR/>However, this is really just a quick fix intended to appease advocates of the Altamont Pass HSR option in the run-up to the November ballot. Unfortunately, Calgiani may have set unrealistic expectations when she suggested that the Bay Area - Anaheim line would be operational as early as 2014. CSHRA has indicated initial service in 2018-2020 <I>if</I> there are no delays, e.g. lawsuits over Altamont vs. Pacheco.<BR/><BR/>Moreover, afaik this first round of financing does <I>not</I> cover the Sacramento-Chowchilla and LA-San Diego HSR spurs. Stating that those will be fully operational as early as 2020 could backfire. More realistically, whether round two actually happens at all may well depend on how well the early part of the trunk line project is executed.<BR/><BR/>In the log run, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties are expected to experience higher population growth than the rest of the state. At some point, therefore, it will make sense to move beyond minimal commuter rail to full-fledged, fast regional rail service 6-12 times a day in both directions.<BR/><BR/>Moreover, ACE is currently limited to the Stockton-SJ route. Central Valley to Oakland is served by Amtrak San Joaquin, but it's a slow service that doesn't run through the downtown stations. Also, there is currently no way to transfer to BART in Pittsburg.<BR/><BR/>Please study this <A HREF="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=107511680599374219842.00044c96d90746ad0dd0a&z=9" REL="nofollow">map</A> detailing one alternative for fast regional rail service in the area, based on dual-track alignments. Most sections would be dedicated to passenger service and feature third rail electrification. It avoids the construction of expensive new tunnels through the mountains.<BR/><BR/>In addition, it leverages existing BART infrastructure via <A HREF="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7359436575764695148" REL="nofollow">gauge changer stations</A> and bi-modal DMU equipment similar to that being considered for <A HREF="http://www.sonomamarintrain.org/userfiles/file/white-paper-no-6-clean-diesel-2-01-08.pdf" REL="nofollow">SMART</A>. <BR/>In effect, ACE trains would eventually be regularly scheduled "guests" on the BART network. Except for the new Hayward turnoff, existing BART and ACE services would be unaffected by construction. <BR/><BR/>My proposal goes well beyond Calgiani's and would certainly cost a more than the full $950 million reserved in the bond for feeder services. It is therefore well beyond the scope of the November ballot initiative.<BR/><BR/>However, if Santa Clara county drops its super-expensive subway pipedream, ACE-on-BART could be implemented as an independent project in parallel with HSR phase one. There would be plenty of money left over for multiple <A HREF="http://www.hybridcarnews.org/entry/autotram-new-modular-hybrid-vehicle-concept-that-draws-power-from-energy-storage-system/" REL="nofollow">AutoTram</A> routes with frequent service in San Jose, centered on Diridon station.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-73635919425126185322008-05-08T00:29:00.000-07:002008-05-08T00:29:00.000-07:00I think if ACE uses it's share of the bond money w...I think if ACE uses it's share of the bond money wisely to combine tracks that are useable for both ACE and the HS train is a good idea. If they simply upgrade the tracks and not consider a HSR alignment in the future through the Altamont then that money would go to waste. <BR/><BR/>Although I did not like the Pacheco alignment at first it has grown on me just because it is a move closer to getting this thing built. But I have not forgotten about my preferred route the Altamont. Maybe it can be revived in a second or third phase, I just don't think the East Bay will benefit without it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-76441028798234744152008-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:002008-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00I think TRANSDEF is trying to get attention and a ...I think TRANSDEF is trying to get attention and a lawsuit is a pretty standard tactic for doing that. I doubt it would get very far but the PR would not be helpful. I've always been agnostic on Altamont vs. Pacheco, I don't see much difference between the two, and since a decision has been made, let's stick with it and move forward.<BR/><BR/>As to ACE, I think it's a great service that deserves support and expansion. Galgiani's approach of using some of the HSR bond money to upgrade it and make it a faster corridor is very smart politics and good rail policy.Robert Cruickshankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906581839066570472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-56663490765769801352008-05-07T22:15:00.000-07:002008-05-07T22:15:00.000-07:00I support your time and efforts on HSR here, and s...I support your time and efforts on HSR here, and seem to concur with each post.Keep it up.<BR/><BR/>I wish ACE had greater ridership. It seems the Altamont alignment and ACE get much more credence than they/it seems to deserve!Brandon in Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796810137823230737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4263762637946594105.post-47590421577726732612008-05-07T22:13:00.000-07:002008-05-07T22:13:00.000-07:00Robert,Extremely appalling is the position that Sc...Robert,<BR/>Extremely appalling is the position that Schonbrunn/TRANSDEF have taken on HSR alignments! Why on Earth can they take the same position as Calgiani and the Sierra Club? I guess we could counter attack and claim (falsely) that Schonbrunn/TRANSDEFF have a lot invested in Mountain House/Tracy real estate, but no need to go there. Your 100% right in that the primary alignment into the Bay Area from the south has been decided and that we all need to focus on November. Anyhow Robert, how much power does this Schonbrunn character and TRANSDEFF have? Could they really derail HSR and its sound planning with a frivolous lawsuit? I, along with many others, am perfectly fine with the Pacheco PRIMARY alignment and much upgraded Altamont/Calgiani high-speed corridor.Tony D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03392232221747908883noreply@blogger.com