Leading the Megaregion Charge for Better Rail Connections

The Bay Area Council continues to lead the charge for enhancing megaregional rail system, and on Wednesday joined a gathering of 50 key decision makers from passenger rail operators, regional planning organizations, and state agencies representing all corners of the Northern California Megaregion. Council CEO Jim Wunderman delivered the keynote address in which he laid out a future vision for dramatically enhancing rail service to keep economic growth within the megaregion by seamlessly connecting outlying areas with growing population to the job centers of the Bay Area.

The meeting built off of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s landmark 2016 report on the megaregion and the Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts to improve both passenger and freight rail service. Participants on Wednesday discussed ideas for better megaregional coordination and the steps necessary to achieve a networked train system for Northern California, including Capitol Corridor, ACE, San Joaquins, Caltrain, BART, and future high speed rail trains. The meeting was hosted by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in Oakland. To engage in our megaregion policy work, please contact Senior Vice President Matt Regan.