I recently posted 10 questions the RTC really needs to answer about the plans for a trail that prioritizes rail on the unusable train tracks that stretch through Santa Cruz County. I wanted to focus on the first question:
What will it cost?
The Santa Cruz County Rail Trail project, often hailed as a transformative vision for our region’s future, has spiraled into a financial black hole, leaving many residents questioning whether it’s worth the cost. With projected expenditures now climbing into the hundreds of millions, it’s time for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and the public to take a hard look at whether this plan is truly the best path forward—or a misguided investment with limited benefits.
A Dream or a Financial Nightmare?
At its core, the Rail Trail project promises a 32-mile corridor blending transportation and recreation, connecting communities across the county. But what began as an exciting prospect has become emblematic of ballooning public works costs. Current estimates suggest the partially funded trail project could exceed $450 million and the unfunded train project could exceed $5 billion—a staggering amount for a county of this size, especially given its other pressing needs.
These costs aren’t just abstract figures. Every dollar poured into this project is a dollar unavailable for affordable housing, wildfire prevention, road repairs, or public transit upgrades—all issues that demand immediate attention. Moreover, the funding for the Rail Trail relies heavily on state and federal grants, which often come with strings attached and long-term fiscal responsibilities. Taxpayers will inevitably bear the brunt of overruns and future maintenance costs.
Questionable Utility
Supporters argue that the Rail Trail in its current form will provide a seamless, eco-friendly transportation corridor. However, critics point out that its actual utility is limited. The trail’s design prioritizes rail over practical recreation and commuting, with narrow sections, detours with inconsistent connectivity, and many accessibility and safety issues. Additionally, the assumption that the goal of a train which is the foundation of the trail design will significantly reduce car dependency is dubious, given the county’s sprawling geography and lack of integration with other transit systems.
Worse, the rail component—which adds significantly to the cost—is riddled with issues. The proposed passenger rail service, long touted as a solution to traffic congestion, has faced scrutiny for its impracticality. The line would require massive upgrades to accommodate modern trains, and ridership projections remain speculative at best. In an era where flexible transit solutions are paramount, doubling down on rail seems like clinging to outdated infrastructure.
Environmental Irony
Ironically, the Rail Trail’s environmental credentials are also suspect. Construction will disrupt sensitive ecosystems and could take over a century to yield any measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, less glamorous but more impactful initiatives, such as electric bus fleets or expanded bike lanes, remain underfunded. The Rail Trail diverts resources from projects that could deliver greater environmental and social returns at a fraction of the cost.
A Better Path Forward
Santa Cruz County deserves better. Instead of stubbornly pressing forward with a flawed and exorbitantly expensive plan, we should pivot to more sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective alternatives:
Invest in Modern Transit Solutions: Expand electric bus services, create dedicated bus lanes, and incentivize carpooling. These measures can have an immediate impact on congestion and emissions without the multi-decade wait.
Design a more cost effective continuous trail: A typical trail over rail costs under $3 million per mile to produce, the current design has an average estimated cost of over $25 million per mile and actual construction costs have wildly exceeded estimates. Allocate funds to improve and expand existing bike and pedestrian infrastructure, creating a network of paths that serve both commuters and recreational users.
Community-Driven Planning: Engage residents in reimagining how these funds can address our most pressing challenges, ensuring accountability and better alignment with local priorities.
Taking Action
If you share these concerns, now is the time to speak up. Contact your local representatives from the links at linktr.ee/coastaltrail , attend public meetings, and demand a reevaluation of the Rail Trail project. Support grassroots organizations such as Santa Cruz County Greenway sccgreenway.org and the Santa Cruz County Coastal Trail Conservancy coastaltrail.org that are advocating for more fiscally and environmentally responsible solutions. Share your voice through letters to the editor, petitions, and social media campaigns.
The Santa Cruz County Rail Trail has become a cautionary tale of good intentions gone awry. Let’s learn from this misstep and chart a smarter, more equitable course for our community.
The future of Santa Cruz County deserves careful stewardship, not reckless spending.
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