Regional Transportation Commission Formally Terminates Agreement with Progressive Rail

At its monthly meeting on Thursday, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) voted to approve a series of staff recommendations including terminating its Administration, Coordination, and License Agreement (ACL) with Progressive Rail, Inc., based in Lakeville, Minnesota. The termination action is necessary to move forward with development of transportation solutions along the RTC-owned branch line.   

“The RTC is fully committed to local transportation solutions that protect and benefit the entire community. Unfortunately, Progressive Rail has not fulfilled all of its obligations under the agreement between Progressive Rail and the RTC and was unwilling to work with the RTC to address those issues in a manner that served both parties’ interests,” said Sarah Christensen, Executive Director of the RTC.  

The RTC authorized staff to take administrative actions to assume common-carrier status of the branch line. Last month, the RTC released a request for proposals from qualified rail operators to continue freight operations to ensure service remains uninterrupted. The RTC is fully committed to continuing recreational excursion rail service operated by Roaring Camp Railroads on the portion of the line currently used by the popular Beach Train. There is no intention of changing or discontinuing this service. 

“It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but the Commission’s actions are a necessary step to protect and enhance community interests for the benefit of the region,” said Christensen. 

In addition, the Commission was apprised of the letter from the Transportation Solutions Defense and Education Fund (TRANSDEF) regarding alleged Brown Act issues. With agenda item 20 at today’s meeting, a cure of the allegation was achieved by the Commission’s consideration of the termination of the ACL occurring in open session with full public input.