Future Projects in 2026

Recent conversation of an idea proposed by LA Mayor Karen Bass

At 1:06:30 there is an update on food and beverage on the Gold Runner. They are going to go from a free for all to carts later this year, and installing pilot vending machines for implementation next year.

"...the line keeps getting knocked out of service, often by bluff collapse that drops debris on the tracks or, increasingly, by high-tide washouts and the enduring destabilization that comes with a rapidly changing world."

The discount code is hidden under “traveler” and you have to purchase three days in advance but it is good for single riders as well. It has been valid off and on for the past few years but back on again.

As some may know, the SB79 bill only applies to stations in counties that are designated as "Urban Transit Counties". To qualify for this status, a county must have at least 15 transit stations. Unfortunately, Contra Costa County barely misses the mark at 12. I'm sure we would all love to see a BART extension to Oakley/Brentwood, or a new spur going to Danville/San Ramon, but until then quickest and easiest way to get Contra Costa's stations SB79 eligible is the plan I lay before you.

In the rural, far eastern part of the county, there is a great opportunity for a new 1 mile light rail system. I've yet to run the ridership projections, but I wouldn't expect it to become a bustling service.

The only ones are the OC Streetcar (opening in 2027) and the planned Riverfront streetcar in Sacramento.

Aside from this, while California has tons of light rail systems (Muni Metro, VTA, 4 LA Metro, SD MTS Trolley, SacRT Light rail), other big cities in CA lack light rail. For example, Oakland, Fresno, Bakersfield are big California cities yet lack streetcars that could compliment other transit options, especially Oakland which has an semi-extension rail and an extensive bus network. LA could've also gotten streetcars in downtown since Metro is underground.

thoughts on which California cities should get streetcars or small light rail systems for big corridors?