The Tri-Valley–San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority and San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would see SJRRC, the policy-making body for the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), operate future Valley Link commuter rail service.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Regional Rail Authority Board remains the owner of the Valley Link service and is responsible for all governance and project funding, policies, planning, development, implementation and service decisions.
The Regional Rail Authority Board noted several reasons why the Memorandum of Understanding with SJRRC was advantageous for the Valley Link project, including an exemplary safety record in managing the operations of both the ACE commuter rail service for more than 20 years and the Amtrak San Joaquins for more than seven years.
Speaking about the agreement, Rail Authority Board Chair Scott Haggerty noted, “One of the reasons that I am excited about this, having served on the ACE Board for 24 years, is that there is a trust factor knowing that ACE is one of the premier rail lines in the state of California if not the entire United States. Entering into the agreement at this early point in the project enables SJRRC to provide input into project development and achieve safe, efficient and cost-effective operations.”
“A key Valley Link goal is project implementation that is fast, cost-effective and responsive to the goals and objectives of the communities it will serve. Valley Link is essential to our post-pandemic economic recovery and I believe this partnership with ACE will help us to meet our goals and support our communities and struggling workforce,” said Rail Authority Vice-Chair Veronica Vargas.
Valley Link will carry 33,000 passengers a day in 2040, reducing vehicle miles travelled by 99.3 million each year, and eliminating between 33,000 to 42,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) per year depending on the vehicle technology selected. Currently, the Regional Rail Authority is considering three technologies that include two zero emission technologies: battery/electric and hydrogen.
The passenger rail project will have a significant impact on the regional economy. A recent Economic Impact Study performed by PGH Wong found that during construction Valley Link will create 22,000 jobs with an economic impact on the region of $3.5 billion. Additionally, during service, Valley Link will create 400 jobs and an economic impact of $69 million per year.
