Sen. Blakespear Calls for Completion of Report to Strengthen Southern California’s Rail Line

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement Friday regarding the report to the Legislature on the management of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor required by the Senator’s 2024 legislation Senate Bill 1098:

“In 2024, I authored Senate Bill 1098 designed to provide a roadmap for the policy changes needed to transform the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor into a high performing train line. At that time, we knew bold solutions and actionable reforms were necessary to ensure the long-term success and solvency of passenger rail service along the LOSSAN corridor. We created a clear process for all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward a locally identified solution that addressed impending fiscal crises and improved corridor management.

That report was due to the Legislature on February 1, 2026. Unfortunately, it was not delivered. While the report remains undelivered, the challenges facing the corridor persist. Passenger rail operators are now confronting near-term insolvency that, without prompt action, could force service reductions in the coming months. Serious questions about funding, governance and the steps required to improve service remain unresolved. 

In the absence of the SB 1098 report, I remain committed to working collaboratively with the California State Transportation Agency and local partners to identify a path forward that strengthens management of the LOSSAN corridor. The timeline to act is short, and the risk of significant service reductions is real. Without an immediate solution, the consequences for all three passenger rail operators will become more severe and increasingly difficult to address.”

Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.