Reported by Bruce Jenkins, RailPAC Director
Following are items of interest which were discussed and acted upon at the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Board meeting on June 8, 2011 in Suisun City CA.
1. WiFi service should be available at no charge to passengers by November of this year. This service will not accommodate down-loading movies, or other large capacity down loads.
2. The Revised Budget was approved for Security Camera Installation at all Capitol Corridor stations.
3. Capitol Corridor service to the Santa Clara station should start by November of this year. Construction of a 700 foot platform and pedestrian tunnel is near completion. This service will provide Capitol Corridor riders easy access to VTA free shuttle service to San Jose Minetta International Airport.
4. The Proposed grade crossing at the Davis station has several problems. Union Pacific opposes it, and is installing a fence. The city is very concerned about emergency access to the adjacent neighborhood. Under-track grade separation is not feasible due to ground water problems and lack of funds. The board opposed taking action now and will revisit this issue at a later date.
5. Union Pacific cooperation is “exemplary.” On time performance has been very satisfactory and UP has received $3mil in incentive fees.
6. New rolling stock and clean locomotives are coming. Some cab cars are being modified by removal of lower deck seats to provide additional space for baggage and bike storage. Since the San Joaquin trains see more checked baggage these modified cars will be swapped to the Valley service.