Coast Futura announces a free demonstration of an affordable, accessible streetcar on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, presented by Roaring Camp Railroads, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16-17, in Watsonville, and Thursday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 24, in Santa Cruz.
Tickets for the 45-minute ride will be available online from Roaring Camp Railroads starting Friday, Oct. 1. Sign up at coastfutura.org
Image shows the electric passenger train made by TIG/m LLC
The Coast Futura demonstration rail vehicle was manufactured by California-based TIG/m, LLC., operating on batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
The vehicles are wireless and are expected to move quietly through neighborhoods alongside the Rail Trail, portions of which have been completed or are forward.
The innovative streetcar is envisioned to help in the fight against climate change, producing zero emissions and powered by batteries and hydrogen — and recharged with clean energy sourced from Central Coast Community Energy.
The demonstration aims to provide a proof-of-concept about what car-free commuting would look like.
The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission authorized the demonstration as an opportunity for the public to see an example of a modern electric rail vehicle on two sections of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line track.
Each demonstration routes will be approximately 4 miles, with the Watsonville route running from the intersection of West Beach and Walker Streets to Harkins Slough and back, and the Santa Cruz route running from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola and back.
The demonstration, originally planned for spring 2020, was delayed due to the pandemic and will follow current COVID safety guidelines require all passengers to wear a mask. Tickets are free but reservations on the Roaring Camp platform will be required.
Learn more at coastfutura.org or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.