ZEPRT: Billion Dollar Dead End

Written By Malina Long

A recently released executive summary of the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) study has cast a long shadow over the feasibility of commuter rail service on the Santa Cruz Branch Line. The report, unveiled by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) on June 6, outlines a project burdened by extraordinary costs, modest ridership projections, and no clear funding path—raising urgent questions about the corridor’s future.

The ZEPRT study pegs the rail portion’s capital costs at $4.28 billion, or nearly $200 million per mile, with over $1.2 billion earmarked for contingencies and required upgrades to 28 of 33 bridges. Operating costs are projected between $34 million and $41 million annually, with no dedicated revenue source in place. A local tax increase would be necessary just to initiate funding—a challenging proposition in a region already strained by housing and affordability issues.

Yet amidst these challenges, the study also reintroduces a compelling opportunity: railbanking the corridor and moving forward with a regionally connected, wide, and ADA-accessible trail. This approach would preserve the right-of-way for potential future transit while unlocking 20+ miles of active transportation and mobility innovation—far earlier and at a fraction of the cost.

This aligns closely with the mission of Santa Cruz Works, which champions smart, scalable infrastructure that drives local entrepreneurship, workforce access, sustainable practices, and economic development. A trail-first approach would not only increase mobility for thousands of residents and workers but also support green transportation startups, outdoor tourism, and public health—sectors already thriving in Santa Cruz County.

As RTC commissioners weigh their next steps, some are embracing fiscal realism. Supervisor Manu Koenig noted, “The primary goal with this entire study process is to determine whether or not this project is feasible. I think we have our answer. It's not." Others, like Executive Director Sarah Christensen, remain open to long-term ambitions, acknowledging that broad community support and substantial funding would be prerequisites for any rail revival.

With the full ZEPRT report due in August, the next chapter in this debate offers a critical opportunity—not just to avoid a costly misstep, but to actively build a future that reflects the innovative, inclusive, and sustainable vision championed by organizations like Santa Cruz Works.

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