HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2022 Roberts - Safe Parking ProgamF-M RaHPAC
WLRail Passenger Association
of California and Nevada
SLO City Planning Commission
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
P.O. Box 22344
San Francisco CA 94122
www.railpac.org
September 19, 2022
Re: Recommended Long -Term use of the Rail Passenger Long -Term Parking
Facility at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station
I am writing on behalf members of the Rail Passenger Association of California and
Nevada (RaiIPAC) living, working and traveling through and to cities on the Central
Coast. RaiIPAC is an all -volunteer statewide organization that advocates for the
improvement of commuter and intercity passenger rail service. RailPAC is a strong
advocate for an expanded public transportation network. especially to the underserved but
fast growing Central Coast region of California. Thank you for the opportunity to share
RailPAC's comments on the rail passenger long-term parking facility.
RaiIPAC members have two concerns regarding the long-term use of the rail passenger
parking facility at San Luis Obispo. First, the conversion of transportation investments to
non -transportation uses (Safe Parking), and second, the wisdom of locating such a use,
overnight parking, adjacent to an active rail line. Because of these factors Rai1PAC
recommends against the long-term use of the rail passenger parking facility for Safe
Parking.
The rail passenger long-term parking facility is not just a parking lot. It is one small, but
important piece, of the long-term vision for expanded. rail passenger service serving the
fast growing Central Coast. The goal is to create expanded travel options and alternatives
to long auto trips. Bringing passenger rail initiatives to fruition is not the result of one
big project, but occurs through a series of smaller distinct projects and grants involving a
lot of persistence and hard work. In the end it all cumulates into a new transportation
service. The rail passenger long-term parking facility may be just a small project, but
given the auto dependent development pattern in San Luis Obispo County, it is a critical
asset for generating future ridership growth by providing access to passengers living
outside of the city of San Luis Obispo.
As was noted above the Safe Parking lot is located adjacent to an active rail line. This
creates a risk for any vulnerable populations that use the lot. Some of the overnight
Parkers may have substance abuse or alcohol issues negatively impacting their situational
awareness. The lack of situational awareness is not a good mix with trains that can't
swerve or stop quickly. Also many rail line trespasser deaths are not due to a lack of
attention, but are suicides. The anonymity and perceived finality of a train can be very
alluring for those struggling with a multitude of issues.
It should be noted that in any trespasser strike there are two victims, the fatality and the
engineer who may face PTSD issues going forward and may find it hard to continue their
careers.
In summary, RailPAC recommends against any long-term conversion of the San Luis
Obispo long-term rail passenger facility to non -transportation uses. In addition, any
short-term extension should be accompanied with a plan, with a specific timeline,
measurable benchmarks and a sunset date, to transition Safe Parking residents into
permanent housing.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
77'
Steve Roberts,
President Rail Passenger Association of California and Nevada
cc:
Kyle Bell, SLO Planning Commission
Pete Rogers, SLOCOG
Mayor Dave Potter, CRCC Policy Committee Chair
Supervisor Das Williams, CRCC Policy Committee Vice -Chair
Councilmember Andy Pease, CRCC Policy Committee Representative
Councilmember Jacques Bertrand, CRCC Policy Committee Representative
Councilmember Bryan MacDonald, CRCC Policy Committee Representative
Paul Dyson, RailPAC
Brad LaRose, Director, San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum