CA AB1226

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the General Fund to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority for capital improvements to the Capitol Corridor rail line between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area.

Defines eligible capital improvements including dedicated passenger tracks, double tracking for 15-minute service headways, grade separations, new passenger stations, freight bypasses, station modifications, rail upgrades for speeds up to 150 mph, signaling system upgrades, and curve straightening.

Establishes findings that the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay regions are merging into a single economic megaregion requiring improved transit options to address housing, jobs, and environmental challenges.

Cites that the Capitol Corridor serves over 500,000 passengers annually and experienced a 25-percent ridership increase over the prior five years, making it the fastest growing intercity passenger line in the nation.

Notes that rail transit produces 76 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile than passenger cars, supporting the state's climate change mitigation goals.