Here comes the train.

The long-standing effort to bring Metrolink to the South Coast picked up momentum Wednesday.

Officials showed support for the plan, which could begin as early as this fall.

“I’m excited to see the possibilities and the hard work we put into it,” Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said.

A committee of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments met Wednesday to hear about the proposal and the work that remains to pull off the colossal effort.

Aaron Bonfilio, director of rail and transit programs for SBCAG, presented details of the plan that included a proposed transportation schedule, funding and potential next steps. 

According to the proposal, Metrolink would provide a morning train going northbound into Santa Barbara County, stopping at multiple locations along the coast. In the afternoon, Amtrak would provide a train returning southbound in the evening.

The two systems would integrate, Bonfilio said.

“The key is that we have integration between any kind of ticket that’s sold to the public, so that should someone buy a ticket at one system versus the other, the ticket would be eligible for both,” Bonfilio said.  

The plan would align with the so-called “lane and train” solution that was approved by SBCAG in 2006. “Lane and train” established new carpool lanes on Highway 101 and eventually a peak-hour commuter train from Oxnard and Ventura to Santa Barbara and Goleta. 

The train would function around commuters’ schedules, taking into account typical work hours. According to the proposed schedule, a commuter from Oxnard can leave at 7 a.m. and arrive to Santa Barbara by 8 a.m.

The program is expected to cost $4.4 million for the first year, and funding could come from SBCAG and Ventura County Transportation Commission revenues, along with passenger fares.

Metrolink qualifies for federal funding, a previously unavailable option for the peak-hour train with the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, according to Bonfilio. Federal funding would not be available until after three years.

As many as 15,000 people daily drive vehicles into Santa Barbara and Goleta from Ventura County to work. A commuter rail service could reduce traffic congestion on Highway 101.

“At best, we have funding for a full year of service, potentially enough to split the second year of service, but after the second and the third year it becomes a challenge,” Bonfilio said.

Bonfilio estimated that a minimum $500,000 would come from the fares between the morning and afternoon trains. 

The additional trips going southbound are expected to increase revenue. 

Ticket pricing for both routes is yet to be determined. 

Wednesday’s meeting was of the South Coast Subregional Planning Committee, which includes the South Coast members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Metrolink has proposed a one-year agreement with the possibility of extensions, with the service launch as soon as this fall. 

It still needs to be approved by SBCAG and the VCTC, possibly this summer.