Caltrans transfers management of San Joaquin, Surfliner routes

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Monday transferred management of intercity passenger-rail services for the San Joaquin and Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail (LOSSAN) rail corridors to two joint powers authorities similar to the structure the state has with the Capitol Corridor route.

The transfer agreements between the state, the LOSSAN Agency (Pacific Surfliner) and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority became effective today, Caltrans officials said in a press release.

The pact, which stemmed from state legislation passed in 2012, covers the initial three-year period after the transfer, and authorizes future extensions by mutual agreement. The legislation also provided for the creation of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.

"This agreement is about engaging our local transportation partners in building a more integrated, statewide transportation system that links to revolutionary investments, such as California high-speed rail," said California Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly. "Through this partnership, our local partners are showing leadership in supporting transportation integration, which paves the way for a viable public transportation option for traveling between regions of the state."

Caltrans will continue to oversee and fund the two corridors at an estimated cost of $98.9 million annually, according to the press release.