New Train to Link Northern Sacramento Valley to Bay Area

The region is currently served just once a day by the Coast Starlight train.

1 minute read

July 11, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Drawing of proposed train station for North Valley Rail

Proposed station design for North Valley Rail. | Butte County Association of Governments / North Valley Rail

“The northern Sacramento Valley will soon be better connected to the Bay Area and the northern San Joaquin Valley with the addition of a new rail line, according to the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG).” Matthew Nobert reports the story for Fox 40 Sacramento.

The North Valley Rail line will add to the once-daily service currently provided by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train. “Not only will this rail line provide a greater connection amongst these north Sacramento cities, it will also allow riders to access rail services that reach San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Stockton and eventually the Early Operating Segment of the High Speed Rail project.” The train will also connect to a bus service to the Sacramento airport.

At a projected cost of $500 million, the line is expected to start running by 2028 with two daily trips and ramp up to four trips per day by 2030. According to the project’s website, “For North Valley Rail, BCAG is working closely with San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, San Joaquin JPA, Caltrans, local governments, and other stakeholders along the corridor.”

Friday, July 7, 2023 in Fox 40

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