The community is invited to attend groundbreaking ceremonies for the Goleta Train Depot, 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at 27 S. La Patera Lane.

The new full-service multi-modal train station will be built next to the existing Amtrak platform.

By constructing a full-service station, the city said it aims to increase train ridership, improve connections to bus transit, support transit services to and from the Santa Barbara Airport and UC Santa Barbara, and introduce new bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

With substantial funding from the state, secured by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), Goleta is poised to implement capital improvements that will help modernize the rail system and transit services.

Ultimately, the efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles operated, and congestion.

“As we begin construction on this landmark, Goleta will soon welcome train commuters and other travelers to Goleta,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “The Goleta Train Depot is another milestone in the multi-modal transportation hub we’ve envisioned for our community.

“We know that people arriving at this station will form a positive and memorable first impression of our vibrant community,” she said. “By supporting travel by train, this station will reduce congestion on our crowded highways.

“The great safety and comfort offered by train travel will also attract more people who will patronize our visitor services, such as hotels.

“We believe that better supporting train travel here will reduce some of the traffic stresses on our roads and will contribute to Goleta meeting California’s climate action goals,” she said.

“We are excited to break ground on this much-anticipated project,” said Jaime Valdez, assistant city manager and Train Depot Project manager. “During the construction phase, residents and visitors can expect a commitment to minimize disruptions while keeping the community informed throughout the construction process.

“We look forward to celebrating the new facility as a beneficial addition to our city by the spring/summer of 2026.”

Those attending the groundbreaking ceremony will hear from elected officials, collaborative agencies who have played a part in the project, and city staff. Spanish interpretation will be available.

The Goleta Train Depot facility will encompass 8,550 square feet, providing a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak passengers to use while waiting to board or after disembarking from trains.

The building will be located adjacent to the existing train platform and the parking lot, and access driveways will be in front of the depot building.

The architecture of the new facility draws inspiration from the traditional historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot design while incorporating modern elements.

The depot will feature large windows and columns to support covered walkway areas, which will create protected outdoor areas around the building.

A new turnaround area will be located off South La Patera Lane at the site entrance, designed to facilitate an easy drop-off and pick-up for buses and shuttles.

Several electric vehicle charging stations will be available on-site, and about half of the roof will consist of state-of-the-art roofing panels to capture solar energy.

The proposed Depot will be designed and constructed consistent with City Resolution No. 12-65 which requires city-owned buildings of 2,000 square feet or greater of conditioned space to achieve United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

In 2018, using nearly $7 million of city funds, Goleta acquired the property at 27 S. La Patera Lane, along the LOSSAN (Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency) rail corridor.

The Goleta Train Depot project is funded by a total of $18.6 million from the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which was awarded to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) in 2018 and 2023, along with an additional $1 million commitment from the city in 2023.

On July 16, 2024, the City Council authorized a $17.3 million construction contract with Quincon, Inc. to begin the project.

For more on the Goleta Train Depot project, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/TrainDepot.