California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the release of the State Rail Plan, an ambitious roadmap to create a fully interconnected, zero-emission rail network that will link every region of the state by 2050. The plan, unveiled alongside progress on the high-speed rail project, promises to transform transportation in California while creating 900,000 jobs and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our vision is simple: by 2050, every Californian should be able to choose rail as a way to get to their destination, near or far,” said Newsom. “California is building a clean transportation system for the future, and as the world’s fifth-largest economy bursting with talent and innovation, we’re ready to take on this challenge.”
A Statewide Network for All Californians
The State Rail Plan outlines a comprehensive rail system that integrates high-speed rail with intercity, regional, and local transit networks, providing Californians with a clean and efficient alternative to car and air travel. The plan aims to increase rail’s share of passenger miles traveled from the current 2% to 20% by 2050, shifting nearly 200 million daily passenger miles from congested highways to rail.
Key features of the plan include:
•High-Speed Rail Backbone: The electrified high-speed rail system under construction will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles through the Central Valley and serve as the foundation for longer-distance travel.
•Regional Rail Integration: Connections to regional and local transit networks will expand the reach of high-speed rail, enabling seamless travel between cities such as Roseville, San Jose, and San Diego.
•Climate Resilience: The plan includes measures to protect rail infrastructure from climate risks like sea-level rise, wildfires, and flooding, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin praised the plan’s focus on equity, clean air, and accessibility: “This plan pushes beyond the status quo, improving multimodal options, clean air, and equitable access to jobs and other opportunities—vital components of a thriving community.”
Transforming Communities and Fighting Climate Change
The State Rail Plan prioritizes serving historically underserved communities by increasing access to affordable and frequent rail services. It aligns with California’s broader climate goals, such as the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) and the California Transportation Plan 2050. The plan estimates a direct capital investment of $310 billion, with over $540 billion in economic returns by 2050.
The environmental benefits are significant:
•A 290,000-metric-ton reduction in carbon emissions annually.
•Substantial reductions in road congestion and vehicle dependency.
•The introduction of zero-emission trains like the self-powered train launched in San Bernardino County and Caltrain’s electrified rail service on the San Francisco Peninsula.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri emphasized the importance of the rail network: “California’s clean, electrified high-speed rail project will connect the Bay Area to Los Angeles, extending to local and regional networks throughout the state.”
Economic and Job Growth
The State Rail Plan is expected to create 900,000 full-time jobs across construction, maintenance, and operations, providing a significant boost to California’s economy. The jobs created will support a transition to a cleaner transportation system while providing affordable mobility options for Californians who do not own cars.
“Every Californian interacts with our transportation systems, and this rail network ensures access to opportunity for all without the financial burden of car ownership,” said Governor Newsom.
The State Rail Plan builds on recent milestones in California’s transit evolution, including the launch of North America’s first zero-emission train in San Bernardino County and Caltrain’s electrified rail service. These advancements represent the state’s commitment to fast, safe, and environmentally friendly rail travel.
By connecting every corner of the state through a clean, efficient rail network, the State Rail Plan not only reimagines mobility in California but also sets a bold example for sustainable infrastructure on a global scale.
