Reso PC22-07 0080 PC Reso Recommending Approval of the Transit District Amendments to the General Plan and DTPP

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Caltrain plans to replace is replacing diesel locomotives with electric-powered vehicles. Since electric trains can accelerate and decelerate faster than diesel trains, travel times are expected to be shorter along the Caltrain corridor, resulting in a potential increase in ridership. In addition, electric trains are quieter and emit less pollution than diesel trains, which will have positive impacts for those living, working, and visiting Downtown. Dumbarton Rail Service San Mateo County Transportation Authority is planning to establish rail service along the Dumbarton Bridge corridor, linking the Peninsula Caltrain system with the East Bay including connections with Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) and Capitol Corridor Trains. The new rail line is planned to connect with the existing Caltrain tracks at the Redwood City station. Full funding for the project was not yet committed at the time of this writing, although support for the project from various segments remains strong. High-Speed Rail High-speed rail is a statewide initiative to supplement air travel by providing rail connections between northern, central, and southern California. High-speed rail trains travel at top speeds of 220 miles per hour in less populated areas and at slower speeds through more urban centers. The High-Speed Rail Authority is currently envisioning high-speed rail in the San Francisco Peninsula to be accommodated in the existing Caltrain right of way, with San Francisco as the ultimate northern destination. For safety and efficiency, high-speed rail requires complete grade separation of rail and surface streets. The type of grade separations used will have dramatic impacts on Redwood City, particularly the Downtown area, which is bisected by the tracks. While the exact manner of grade separation will have to be determined at a later date, it is clear that certain methods would be harmful to Redwood City’s urban environment. As of this writing, it is the City’s preference that the grade separation takes the form of a covered trench. In any case, the grade-separated railway can and must be carefully designed to become one of Downtown’s greatest assets and must also enact the principles of connectivity and compatibility to ensure that it respects all of the neighborhoods and planning areas along the corridor. Redwood City is a potential location for the Mid-Peninsula high-speed rail station. Such stations are likely to require more extensive parking facilities than are provided for Caltrain service, plus circulation accommodations for feeder transit service (such as buses, light rail, or streetcars). Redwood City will need to make an effort to ensure that if a high-speed rail station is located in our city, it is done in a manner that does not impede pedestrian travel or create an inactive zone, in terms of the location of tracks and station parking and amenities. Redwood City will need to make an effort to ensure that the high-speed rail, with or without a station, unites rather than divides the community. * * * Page 25 of 45