Newsom Signs Bill to Revitalize LOSSAN Rail Corridor

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that aims to revitalize the rail corridor that runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

The LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) Rail Corridor passes through six Southern California counties.

SB 1098 aims to provide stronger management and planning for the rail line to optimize passenger service.

“I thank Gov. Newsom for signing this much-needed legislation to improve the management and planning of the LOSSAN rail line,” state Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, said in a statement. “SB 1098 sets the foundation for optimizing rail operations and boosting ridership so we can meet our region’s mobility, air quality and climate goals.”

There has been growing concern in recent years over the LOSSAN Rail Corridor’s vulnerability. Unstable bluffs or hillsides and coastal hazards in areas across the 351 miles have resulted in prolonged shutdowns to rail service – including five times in Orange County over the last three years, most recently from late January to late March this year.

SB 1098 creates a framework to facilitate coordinated planning and prioritization of goals among stakeholders. It requires a state-convened working group to identify the necessary steps that result in improved ridership, utilization and management of the rail corridor.

The bill directs the state transportation agency in coordination with the state’s natural resource agencies to identify prioritized capital and resiliency projects that ensure the long-term viability of the corridor. It also mandates regular reporting to state lawmakers on corridor performance and directs the state’s transportation secretary to convene stakeholders as necessary to ensure a high performance of rail services.

Last year, Blakespear authored SB 677, which was signed into law, directing the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency – which oversees the corridor in coordination with rail owners, operators and planning agencies – to include an assessment of the effects of climate change in its annual business plan that outlines the agency’s major goals and objectives. The assessment must also identify projects to increase climate resiliency and funding options for those projects.