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This way, we can reduce congestion and improve air quality in communities where it counts, in addition to dramatically improving California’s availability of one-seat rides in public transportation.
The "modest shift" from the Central Valley to "improve air quality in communities where it counts" would mean extending Amtrak's existing diesel-hauled train service from Sacramento and Oakland, as well as Altamont Corridor Express trains from San Jose, directly onto the HSR spine from Merced to Bakersfield to avoid spending money on electrification. They argue this would also eliminate the transfer at Merced to all-electric trains.
Federal rail safety rules prohibit us from using heavier diesel engines on the same track as lighter high-speed rail trains, even for towing [emphasis added]. While we’re building dedicated tracks and infrastructure for high-speed rail, it’s imperative that we build a system that provides seamless connectivity for riders. That’s why we’re proposing delaying the electrification of the Merced to Bakersfield line and running the cleanest available diesel engines for the initial years of operation.
In reality, the federal prohibition she's referring to was lifted at the start of this year. Here is the 2019 federal safety rule that applies to towing light-weight trains:
Passenger Equipment Safety Standards; Standards for Alternative Compliance and High-Speed Trainsets: This final rule adds a new tier of passenger equipment safety standards (Tier III) to facilitate the safe implementation of nation-wide, interoperable high-speed passenger rail service at speeds up to 220 mph. While Tier III trainsets must operate in an exclusive right-of-way without grade crossings at speeds above 125 mph, these trainsets can share the right-of-way with freight trains and other tiers of passenger equipment at speeds not exceeding 125 mph.
It is unclear how Friedman came to justify a funding transfer on outdated regulations no longer in effect. SBSF followed up with Friedman's staff but has yet to receive a response. Rendon also has not yet replied to SBSF inquiries.
A look at ongoing HSR work in the Central Valley. SoCal politicians want the project to skip electrification so more money can go to their districts. Image: CaHSRA
Either way, the Central Valley also has "communities where it counts." And it would be unconscionable to produce more, ongoing diesel emissions in a place where 105,000 kids already suffer from asthma and other pollution-related illnesses.
BART was the first accessible transit system in the country. Advocates want Bay Area transit agencies to do better at keeping buses and trains accessible for all