FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of the South Line Project?
What is the purpose of the environmental study?
How is the issue of safety and security being addressed?
Why has Cosumnes River College been selected as the terminus station?
Why has a large parking structure been proposed instead of more surface parking lots?
Where will the stations be located?
When will the light rail system be extended into the City of Elk Grove?
Will there be any impact to existing bus service in the area?
How will RT mitigate any environmental impacts, such as visual or noise related impacts?
What is the projected construction start date and construction duration?

• What is the purpose of the South Line Project?
  In 1989, RT conducted a Systems Planning Study to explore the potential for future light rail extensions within the greater Sacramento Metropolitan Area. It addressed the need for public transportation improvements by assessing travel patterns and needs, and identified alternatives that required further study.
  
  RT’s vision for expansion of its light rail system is part of its 20-Year Transit Master Plan, adopted in October 1993. The first step has been to implement a 10-year Rail Development Plan, which includes a new light rail corridor in the South Sacramento area. RT worked with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to complete a study of the South Sacramento Corridor. The first phase of this study (downtown Sacramento to Meadowview Road) has been completed and is operating. The second phase calls for extending the light rail system from Meadowview to Cosumnes River College to accommodate growth in the area and to alleviate traffic congestion.

• What is the purpose of the environmental study?
  Federal and state laws require a formal review of projects that may affect the environment. For this project - because other environmental studies have been conducted previously - federal law requires preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and state law require preparation of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR). The environmental studies evaluate impacts associated with project alternatives as well as possible mitigation measures.

• How is the issue of safety and security being addressed?
  RT is committed to safety, as is Cosumnes River College, which has been selected as the terminus station. As a mitigation measure, RT security services would extend to include new light rail services. Furthermore, Cosumnes River College has its own police department and they will also be responsible for ensuring the safety of commuters at the terminal and throughout the parking structure. Technical experts have studied the proposed line, station design and grade crossings to explore safety precautions. Also, the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) addresses safety issues in detail.

• Why has Cosumnes River College been selected as the terminus station?
  It has been determined that ending the line at CRC is appropriate since the College is a major destination area. Thus RT has entered into an agreement with CRC to use space on their campus for the station and parking structure.

• Why has a large parking structure been proposed instead of more surface parking lots?
  In order to compete for Federal funding, terminus stations (such as the one proposed at Cosumnes River College) need to provide sufficient parking to claim ridership. A computer model generates the anticipated demand for spaces required at each of the stations. The model calculated a demand of 2,000 spaces for the College.
  
  While efforts can and will be made to encourage carpooling (and using other transit) to the station, realistically the majority of trips will still be made by single occupancy vehicles needing parking. By building an attractive vertical structure to accommodate the amount of cars required at this terminus station, this proposal is more competitive with others vying for federal dollars.
  
  Land use is a very important issue, particularly when competing for Federal assistance. A surface parking lot with acres of asphalt is not attractive and reduces the amount of transit oriented development that can take place in the station area. By building an attractive vertical structure to house the same amount of cars required at terminus stations, this proposal is more competitive.

• Where will the stations be located?
  The proposed station locations are:
  • Morrison Creek Station
  • Franklin Boulevard Station at Cosumnes River Boulevard
  • Center Parkway Station at Cosumnes River Boulevard
  • Cosumnes River College Station

• When will the light rail system be extended into the City of Elk Grove?
  Expansion to Elk Grove is covered in the TransitAction Plan, which is tied to the SACOG Blueprint. Timing for the expansion has not yet been identified and is contingent on various factors, including securing funding for the project. To see the Conceptual Plan for the Elk Grove/Laguna community, click here.
  

• Will there be any impact to existing bus service in the area?
  South Line Phase 2 Project will be integrated with existing and adjusted bus service. RT will evaluate the need to realign bus service to meet train schedules and better accommodate ridership needs.

• How will RT mitigate any environmental impacts, such as visual or noise related impacts?
  RT has conducted an extensive environmental study to determine impacts that would result from extending the light rail system. RT is committed to minimizing any environmental issues. In fact, RT’s noise criteria are more stringent than the federal government’s. Visual and noise impacts are a primary component of the DSEIS/SEIR.

• What is the projected construction start date and construction duration?
  Construction of the project will occur between Spring 2011 and 2013.