Random search tonight turned up this little gem of an article from earlier this month.
https://oaklandnorth.net/2016/10/04/transit-experts-gather-to-discuss-expansion-of-bay-area-rail-network/
To quote a few points:
And then there is the "key part" of it all:
Which, unfortunately, is a non-starter for public funds in today's California.
Too bad. It would be nice, but I don't see traditional heavy passenger rail ever leaving UP's current route for the Capitol Corridor.
https://oaklandnorth.net/2016/10/04/transit-experts-gather-to-discuss-expansion-of-bay-area-rail-network/
To quote a few points:
Whoa! A whole new, greenfield double-track passenger-only route starting from San Jose and extending at a minimum to Sacramento?Representatives from the Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority, which operates the region’s passenger system, the Port of Oakland and an engineering firm gathered at an Oakland nonprofit to present the Capital Corridor’s hopes of building their own tracks for the San Jose to East Bay to Sacramento Amtrak route.
For something a semi-local like me had no idea was even an actual proposal, no less a serious one, November 16th is not far away at all!"The panelists said in their presentation that the new train line they would like to build would run from San Jose through the East Bay and then east to Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The plan will come up for a vote on November 16 before the Capitol Corridor board, which is made up of representatives from numerous local transit agencies. (Emphasis is mine.)
And then there is the "key part" of it all:
So, electrification seems to be a central desire. Can't fault them, but I don't see the huge capital cost being justifiable for the number of trains proposed beyond the current scheduled runs. For example:"A key part of the proposal involves electrifying the tracks."
Especially for the massive number of challenges needed to be navigated. If a rail enthusiast like me is just learning of this, just imagine the millions of people learning of this possible new corridor passing within a half mile of. I really would like to be enthusiastic, but this has NIMBY obstructionism bait written all over it. And that is before we get into costs, which per the article:(The proposed electrified route) "can handle more than twice the number of passenger trains running the route per day—going from seven to 15."
If Oakland alone would be projected at close to $1 Billion, and that is only a loose estimation off some guys head, I don't think it tame at all to say that this whole venture would tag out north of $25 Billion.“It doesn’t have a capital ‘B’ in front of it, but it’s close,” said Wayne Short of engineering firm HDR Inc., alluding to the estimated budget for Oakland alone.
Which, unfortunately, is a non-starter for public funds in today's California.
Too bad. It would be nice, but I don't see traditional heavy passenger rail ever leaving UP's current route for the Capitol Corridor.