Capitol Corridor to Reno? Caltrans, Placer transit planners seeking feedback on train expansion

Caltrans and Placer County transportation planners are considering expanding its popular Capitol Corridor commuter train service up the Sierra to the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas, and they are seeking input from the public.

Caltrans and the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency announced this week they are “studying the necessary improvements that would be needed to provide Capitol Corridor service from Sacramento to the Tahoe and Reno/Sparks area.”

The agencies said online “we want to know your thoughts on if you would use such a service, and for what purposes.”

Capitol Corridor currently provides service from Auburn to San Jose, with most trains operating between Sacramento and the Bay Area. One round-trip train per day serves Placer County with stops in Roseville, Rocklin and Auburn.

An increase in service is already in the works for Roseville. The Third Track Project, approved in 2015, will eventually add 10 round trips beginning in Roseville.

And now an expansion of service to the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas is under consideration. Stops could include Colfax, Soda Springs and Truckee, as well as Reno and Sparks in Nevada, according to a feasibility study produced by Caltrans and the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Riders are encouraged to fill out a survey posted online as the agencies gauge public interest in the possible expansion. More information can be found on the Placer agency’s Facebook page at facebook.com/pctpa.