AD HOC INTERCITY RAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Updated August 2006

The Ad Hoc Intercity Rail Advisory Committee, or "AIRAC", advises the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on matters pertaining to intercity rail service. "Intercity" rail service refers to train routes that are longer and usually less frequent than everyday commute trips. Examples of intercity rail services are the "San Joaquin" route linking the Bay Area with Stockton and Bakersfield, and the "Capitol" route linking the Bay Area with the Sacramento area.

The Board of Supervisors created the committee in November 1995. Following is AIRAC’s mission statement.

The Ad Hoc Intercity Rail Advisory Committee’s mission is to review and advise the Board of Supervisors on all plans, programs, policies and/or pending actions affecting the provision of intercity passenger rail service in Contra Costa County. The committee’s main area of concern will be to monitor and advise the Board of Supervisors on: 1) issues related to intercity passenger rail services; 2) potential impact on Contra Costa County related to High Speed Rail, particularly studies, plans and/or programs; 3) potential impact on Contra Costa County from mergers or corporate restructuring of railroad companies; 4) assist in efforts to promote public awareness of railroad safety in Contra Costa, particularly through the California Operation Lifesaver Campaign; and 5) funding issues related to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK).

AIRAC members include Howard Abelson (Chair), El Cerrito; Jim Kennedy, Martinez; John Mercurio, Concord; John Starr, Clayton; Richard Mitchell, Hercules; and Walter Fields, Antioch.

Meetings are scheduled as needed. At the end of each meeting, the next meeting date is determined.

For more information about AIRAC, please contact John Greitzer of the Contra Costa County Community Development Department at (925) 335-1201. He can be reached by e-mail at jgrei@cd.cccounty.us