Metrolink is on its way to Santa Barbara County.
A decades-long effort to bring viable commuter rail from Ventura County into Santa Barbara and Goleta has gained significant momentum, and could be here early next year.
A committee of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is set to talk about the next stage of Metrolink’s efforts, a one-year pilot effort, at a 1:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday.
“There is renewed enthusiasm on the Central Coast coupled with the state’s fresh vision for a multi-modal transportation network, turning this long-standing dream into a tangible possibility,” said Lauren Bianchi Klemann, public information and government affairs manager for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.
The plan calls for a morning train from Moorpark Station and a late-morning returning on Metrolink. An evening return trip from the South Coast to Los Angeles Union Station would take place on Amtrak.
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.
The program could begin later this year or early next year.
Bringing an established transportation service such as Metrolink to the South Coast would be a significant win for transportation planners and advocates who have long yearned to make commuter rides frequent and reliable from Ventura County to the South Coast.
As many as 15,000 people drive vehicles into Santa Barbara and Goleta from Ventura County daily to work. A commuter rail service could reduce traffic congestion on Highway 101.
Metrolink qualifies for federal funding, a previously unavailable option for the Peak Hour Train with the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, according to Aaron Bonfilio, director of rail and transit programs for SBCAG.
Federal funding would not be available until after three years.
Metrolink has never operated north of Ventura County and the new service necessitates a four-party agreement, requiring alignment with SBCAG, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor, and Metrolink.
The South Coast Subregional Planning Committee meeting is at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the SBCAG headquarters, Wisteria Conference Room, 260 N. San Antonio Road.
Meetings are not recorded, but members of the public can watch and listen by visiting the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84609128271?pwd=QlhXNzFwZzNaTnNEdTkxTjdhRjg2QT09
Bonfilio will present the latest information to the South Coast members of SBCAG, and the full board is expected to vote on the matter this summer.
The password for the webinar is: 188991