Sacramento Light Rail gets a makeover, but how will we pay for it? And If we expand it, how will we increase ridership? Will it help if Gas Prices hit $10 a gallon? In Europe, mass transit is widely used; why?
Here’s what’s happening:
- New Trains, Improved Accessibility: The new low-floor trains are more accessible for riders with disabilities.
- Sustainable Future: These state-of-the-art trains are built with sustainability in mind.
- Supporting Local Jobs: The new trains are built in Sacramento by Siemens Mobility’s local train factory, the region’s second-largest manufacturer.
- A Phased Approach to Modernization: RT’s Modernization Project is a multi-year initiative. The new trains are just one piece of the puzzle. Other improvements include:
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- Accessible Stations: All 53 stations are being converted to accommodate the low-floor vehicles.
- Double Tracking: Adding double tracks to increase capacity.
Sacramento RT needs to increase ridership, which, according to the Bee in February 2023, was only 70% of what it was pre-pandemic. I have lived in Sacramento since 1991 and have never ridden on Light Rail. I have taken the bus from Land Park to Downtown, but that’s it. How about a PR Campaign? “Light Rail gets you there on time – safely.”
With funding from the State down and Sacramento’s marginal financial condition, rationalizing the investment requires a long-term view. You can’t rely on raising fares. Alternative revenue sources must be maximized, including public subsidies (Federal programs). To increase ridership, Step 1 is to increase awareness and change consumer perception. What say you?
Check out the recent article regarding SAC RT investment in the future. Sacramento Regional Transit
SacRT ridership is now over 95% recovered and far outpacing other transit system recovery. Funding for the new trains, modifying the stations and doubling the frequency to Folsom is coming from state and federal grants. The last fare increase was in 2016 and then was reduced in 2018 and students ride for free– the improvements are not coming from fare increases. New trains will dramatically improve customer perception – the cars are over 35 years old – that’s the rationalization for the investment.
Traci,
Thank you for the response! I was actually thinking about not using my car for a week and journaling the experience. I don’t work in Folsom, but I love to Kayak up near the damn. So, you might see a future blog about how the experiment goes!
I have done my share of traveling and it amazes me how easy it is to get around in Europe, and even San Francisco. You just need to know how it all works!