The COASTAl TRAIN's 12 Big PROBLEMS

Overview

The 65 mile segment of coastal rail between San Diego and San Clemente has 12 has big problems. Add them all together and it becomes clear that a "Save the Coaster/Metrolink Train At Any Cost" mentality is misguided and will lead to significant financial, environmental and community consequences that will last for decades.
It is time to turn this tremendous train problem into a singular opportunity - a beautiful, practical and popular rail-to-trail that can serve "active" commuters (bikers/walkers) , nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts (especially surfers!) alike - THE SURF LINE TRAIL.

Rail To Trail Benefits

KEY BACKGROUND POINT: A MISSING COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS

NO COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS HAS EVER BEEN PROVIDED by SANDAG or OCTA made by proponents of the coastal train tunnel(s) despite the large but unsubstantiated claims (i.e. large ridership, reduced traffic, reduced GHGs etc). This required document is critical for transparent community discussion and assessment. We believe this analysis will clearly show little benefit of a tunnel and demand its completion before any further work on a prospective tunnel resumes.

The 12 Big Problems of the coastal train

1. Eroding Beach & Bluffs

3. Higher Cost San Clemente Tunnel

2. High Cost Del Mar Tunnel

The beach and bluffs in Del Mar and San Clemente are rapidly eroding and require an eventual removal/rerouting of the rail tracks due to safety concerns over catastrophic bluff/beach collapse. LEARN MORE

2. High Cost Del Mar Tunnel

3. Higher Cost San Clemente Tunnel

2. High Cost Del Mar Tunnel

The cost to reroute 2 miles of coastal bluff tracks through a tunnel under Del Mar is $4B+. This is a staggering sum that will require new taxes and greatly reduce the capacity to fund other high priority transportation projects in the county. LEARN MORE

3. Higher Cost San Clemente Tunnel

The real showstopper here is the potential tunnel in San Clemente which would be 10 miles long (4x that of Del Mar tunnel) and likely cost $16+ Billion. LEARN MORE

4. Very Low Ridership

5. Very Low Freight Volumes

3. Higher Cost San Clemente Tunnel

Coaster train ridership is very small and has been declining for years. It also predominantly services those in the highest income earning brackets. LEARN MORE

5. Very Low Freight Volumes

Train freight comprises a tiny 0.5% of total freight in San Diego. This small freight volume could easily be absorbed via trucks and/or shipping.

LEARN MORE

6. Beach Destruction

5. Very Low Freight Volumes

Efforts to save the vulnerable and shifting tracks are resulting in both the destruction of our precious beaches and restriction to coastal access. LEARN MORE

7. Not Equitable

8. Doesn't Reduce Traffic

Coaster ridership is focused predominantly on those in the highest income earning brackets. This is not equitable or just. LEARN MORE

8. Doesn't Reduce Traffic

Coaster train ridership is so small it has no impact on I-5 Highway traffic which carries 250x the volume of passengers. LEARN MORE

9. Doesn't Reduce GHGs

8. Doesn't Reduce Traffic

10. Not a Military Necessity

Near empty Coaster trains (~10% full load on average) are not good for the environment or GHG reductions. The trains are also powered by diesel engines. LEARN MORE

10. Not a Military Necessity

12. Restricts Coastal Beach Access

10. Not a Military Necessity

Claims are often made that the train is critical for military equipment transport. This is false. Most equipment is usually transported via the highway. LEARN MORE

11. Large Tunnel Impacts

12. Restricts Coastal Beach Access

The negative construction impacts of the Del Mar (and San Clemente) tunnels(s) will be large and significant: increased traffic, noise, pollution and a large financial loss for businesses. LEARN MORE

12. Restricts Coastal Beach Access

The tracks that run along the beach or bluffs present a barrier for people to access California's most treasured asset - its coastline. LEARN MORE