DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, DIRECTOR
TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF SUPPORT FOR PILOT RAIL SERVICE BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FOR THE SUMMER 2028 OLYMPICS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution supporting the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s efforts to bring a pilot rail services connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer 2028 Olympics.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The proposed resolution would support continued state funding for passenger rail services and the Transportation Agency of Monterey County’s efforts to establish a passenger rail pilot service between Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and the San Francisco Bay Area during the 2028 Olympic Games. The pilot service would improve regional rail connections and support ongoing efforts to expand passenger service to Monterey County. Staff recommend that City Council approve the attached resolution in support of these efforts.
BACKGROUND:
The Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) has been leading the planning, funding, and implementation of the passenger rail improvement through the Coast Rail Coordinating Council. These efforts are being coordinated with federal, state, and regional transportation partners. This multi-agency coordination ensures that planning is complete and leverages expertise from across jurisdictions, maximizing the potential for successful implementation. TAMC and its partners have been working to advance passenger rail services along the Central Coast Rail Corridor and connect Monterey County with the broader state supported rail networks. Several jurisdictions, including County of Monterey and other local cities, have adopted resolutions in support of these efforts, demonstrating regional support for expanded passenger rail services.
As planning for expanded services continue, there is a gap in state supported passenger rail services between San Luis Obispo and the San Francisco Bay Area, limiting connections between Southern and Northern California. With the 2028 Olympic Games expected to increase travel throughout the state, TAMC and its partners are pursuing a passenger rail pilot service during the Olympics as an opportunity to demonstrate and advance Central Coast rail services. By approving this resolution, the City of Salinas will formally endorse the pilot service, helping to secure necessary funding and resources, and demonstrating unified regional support that strengthens grant applications and advocacy efforts. The proposed City Council Resolution is significant because it adds the City of Salinas’s endorsement to the regional initiative, supports efforts to secure funding for the pilot service, and furthers TAMC’s ongoing work to establish regular passenger rail service to Monterey County.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the resolution will support the City Council Strategic Plan goal of Economic Development and Infrastructure.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Approving the resolution will support the City Council Strategic Plan goal of Economic Development and Infrastructure.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the agency budget associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
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CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT