California Senate Bill SB526 Latest Draft

 BILL NUMBER: SB 526AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 2, 2009 INTRODUCED BY Senator Ashburn FEBRUARY 27, 2009 An act relating to transportation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 526, as amended, Ashburn. Intercity rail:  study.   San Joaquin Corridor: Altamont Pass extension.  Existing law provides for the Department of Transportation to contract with Amtrak for intercity rail services and connecting feeder buses. This bill would  state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to  require the Department of Transportation to  study the potential for increasing ridership by routing certain Amtrak intercity rail services over the Altamont Pass alignment between the Central Valley and the Bay Area   enter into negotiations with the relevant operating freight and passenger commuter railroads for the purpose of developing a service plan and an operating agreement for the extension of at least one San Joaquin Corridor intercity passenger train using   the Altamont Corridor to and from San Francisco. The bill would require the department to report to the Legislature by March 31, 2010, on the status of the negotiations  . Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee:  no   yes  . State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:  SECTION 1.   The Department of Transportation shall enter into negotiations with the relevant operating freight and passenger commuter railroads for the purpose of developing a service plan and an operating agreement for the extension of at least one San Joaquin Corridor intercity passenger train using the Altamont Corridor to and from San Francisco. The service plan shall be developed with the objective of ensuring that the times of operation will maximize patronage from the San Joaquin Valley to San Francisco. The department shall report to the Legislature on or before March 31, 2010, on the status of the negotiations.   SECTION 1.   It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to require the Department of Transportation to study the potential for increasing ridership by routing certain Amtrak intercity rail services over the Altamont Pass alignment between the Central Valley and the Bay Area.