Cost-benefit Analysis for an Inland Empire Electric Commuter Train

A common basis for rail feasibility evaluation has been the cost per passenger using the train, i.e. a comparison of anticipated revenue relative to the cost for the development and operation of the train. This does not include any social, medical and environmental impacts from using a gasoline fueled car.

A previous study evaluated the feasibility for developing a commuter train for the Temecula Valley region. It was reported as RCTC 2007:

http://www.rctcdev.info/uploads/media_items/i-15-commuter-rail-feasibility-study.original.pdf

The RCTC 2007 study is partial analysis of the feasibility for the creation of a commuter train along route I-15. Although the report is 10 years old, many of the analyses are pertinent to our mission for creating such a commuter train. The RCTC 2007 partial evaluation is a stepping stone for a complete evaluation.

Since 2007, many of the assumptions made for the RCTC report would require adjustment. The population density within the whole I-15 corridor has increased or is under pressure due to the continuous demand for reasonable cost housing.  In turn, higher populations have resulted in further congestion of the Interstate 15 corridor. A second study of population expansion would be required for a realistic forecast to the year 2030.   In addition, the cost per mile and the ridership population is highly dependent on economic metrics, such as the cost of fuel, cost of time on the congested roads, and the necessity to use more environmentally safe commuter transportation.

This report is not based on a complete cost-benefit analysis. It is a straight comparison of the estimated development costs of a rail system - tracks, stations and trains relative to the projected number of passengers. The analysis was projected to 2030. The validity of the projection is open to question. Some of the evaluations were based on a 2004 model.  In order to evaluate the RCT 2007 report, a documentation of the model and a list of all input parameters should be made available.

As such, the report published in 2007 is a partial analysis.  A new study should consider the total costs and benefits for developing an electric commuter train connecting East Ontario to San Diego via the Temecula Valley.  

Note:  RCTC report did not include any of the benefits identified in the following report:
http://sierraconservation.blogspot.com/2017/03/riverside-to-san-diego-commuter-train.html

Michael H. Momeni

Wildlife Protection in Temecula: Progress Report

Michael H. Momeni

Mountain lions in our Southern California region are facing ultimate extinction caused by a shrinking gene pool, poaching, disease and the removal of cats deemed dangerous to domestic animals and a potential public safety threat.  This indictment has been exacerbated by the fragmentation of their territories as a consequence of expanded highway construction and ever increasing urban sprawl.
 

In the past several years, the Sierra Santa Margarita Group has identified the need to protect the area’s mountain lion population from further deaths on the freeway, genetic isolation and shrinkage of their habitat. Santa Margarita Group has identified 4 essential steps for a process to protect the natural balance of wildlife in our region:

1. Identifying the Essential Passages between the Two Mountain Ranges:

The following picture shows the region for the confluence of the Temecula Creek, Murrieta Creek and Santa Margarita River.  The lower part of the picture shows the Interstate 15 Temecula Creek Bridge. This location is an essential region for migration of wildlife within the Cleveland National Forest between the Trabuco District and Palomar District. 

 

The following picture shows the passageway under the bridge of the Interstate 15 Temecula Creek. The bridges can be easily and relatively cheaply converted to an off-limits wildlife passage. 

The condition of the space below the bridge is shown in the following picture:

The pictures vividly show examples of debris strewn near and under the Interstate 15 Temecula Creek Bridge.

2.  Removing the Trash from the Passage Area

Santa Margarita group along with some members of the community joined together in June, 2017, and, after several hours of work, partially removed trash from the western area of the bridge. 

3. Outreach Program to the Community for Site Control

On July 16, 2017, Pam Nelson organized a public visit to this area through outreach to our community.  The Santa Margarita Group has been concerned that intrusive land use would allow uncontrolled public access to this sensitive region, eliminating wildlife migration. Understanding the significance of this important habitat is crucial to the protection of the region. 

4. Community and Government Agency Participation

Pam Nelson organized the “wildlife crossing group” including the staff from Riverside County (several departments), California and U.S. Wildlife, Caltrans, Temecula City, and wildlife-focused non-profits.  The wildlife crossing group met on July 20^th. The tour and brainstorming session resulted in setting up dates for future cleanups, restoration plans, funding discussions, and an increased interest in making the Temecula Creek underpass a viable wildlife crossing for I-15.

Outreach Program: Protection of the Wildlife Habitat

Outreach Program

The following picture shows the area for confluence of Temecula Creek, Murrieta Creek and the Santa Margarita River.  The lower part of the picture shows the location of the Interstate 15 Temecula Creek Bridge. This location is a critical region for the migration of wildlife within the Cleveland National Forest between the Trabuco Range District and the Palomar Range District. 

The Santa Margarita Group is is concerned that unauthorized public use of the confluence is hindering the east/west migration essential for the survival of mountain lions.  This area is identified on the central-lower region of the above picture.

Understanding the significance of this important habitat is crucial to the protection of this important region. 

Pam Nelson organized a visit to this area through outreach to our community on July 16, 2017.  The Santa Margarita Group has been concerned that intrusive land use would allow uncontrolled public access to this area eliminating wildlife migration. 

The following  pictures vividly show the impact of uncontrolled access to this important area.

Santa Margarita Group Celebration of the 4th of July 2017

Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 Independence Day National Celebration

Please join the local SIERRA CLUB, Santa Margarita Group, as we all march in celebration, the Temecula 4th of July Parade. Register ASAP with Margaret Meyncke 951-551-6231 m.meyncke@gmail.com Please arrive at 9:00am. Come earlier to find parking space. Parking is on Pujol Street near the community center, or the public parking structure near city hall. Bring your stuffed animals and wear a green t-shirt if you have one. Participants will receive an umbrella, flag, and kazoo. We will be singing "This Land is Your Land". We are number 7 in the lineup this year, so don't be late or hesitate! We the Santa Margarita Group are PROUD to be AMERICAN! This is our land, the land of the free and the home of the brave! This is our most visible and effective outreach event to our local community. * Registration is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. * All participants must sign a liability release form that will be provided at the event.

We were there on 4th of July 2016.

We were there on the 4th of July 2017.   The Photo courtesy of Caren Hanson This photo was taken on July 4t, 2017 by Margaret Meyncke The following Photos are courtesy of David Marrett.  We had a lots of fun and showed our colors.