RailPac Members, RPA Members, and Capitol Corridor Commuters:

As the lead organizer of the Capitol Corridor Riders United (CC Riders United) grassroots coalition, I seek your support in establishing the first-ever Capitol Corridor Riders Advisory Committee.

We are delighted to know that Jim Mathews from the Rail Passengers Association has been in discussions with Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority Managing Director Rob Padgette regarding this matter. Furthermore, it is encouraging to learn that CCJPA Chair, Robert Raburn, supports the committee's formation.

However, CC Riders United strongly believes that it is essential for the entire Board of Directors to prioritize the creation of this much-needed rider advisory committee. Our grassroots organization and numerous passengers desire an effective committee that can represent the riders' voices and contribute to improving the Capitol Corridor service.

To further this cause, I invite you to express your support during the upcoming Capitol Corridor JPA meeting scheduled for September 20th at 10 a.m. The meeting will be accessible both in-person and virtually through Zoom. Ahead of the meeting, we encourage you to send an email to formally communicate your backing for forming the advisory committee.

Additionally, I urge you to virtually attend the meeting and participate in the "Public Comment" section. Your vocal support will carry significant weight in demonstrating the necessity of the committee and its potential positive impact on the community of Capitol Corridor riders.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our request and for your dedication to enhancing public transit. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and responsive transit system that addresses the needs and concerns of the passengers.

If you want to mobilize for the September 20th Capitol Corridor JPA meeting, please email me directly at paulsanftner@gmail.com. I will send you a calendar invite for September 20th, a draft email message, and the Board of Directors' email addresses. 

Looking forward to your support and collaboration.

Sincerely,

Paul Sanftner, Organizer 

Capitol Corridor Riders United

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Letter to CCJPA Board of Directors 

Chair Robert Raburn and Vice Chair Bruce Houdesheldt 

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority 

2150 Webster Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

Capitol Corridor Chair Raburn, Vice Chair Houdesheldt, and Board of Directors: 

We (Capitol Corridor United for a Rider Advisory Committee) and the undersigned supporters request the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board of Directors create a Rider Advisory Committee. 

Thank you for providing train service along the 170-mile corridor. As Capitol Corridor super commuters and leisure riders, we welcome a collaborative conversation with the CCJPA Board of Directors on establishing a Rider Advisory Committee (RAC).

 The proposed primary responsibilities of the RAC could include the following: 

1). Advocate federally and at the State Capitol for CCJPA full-time equivalent staff funding and support

The RAC formation would not necessarily burden staff time or resources because the RAC’s advocacy voice would amplify staff’s CCJPA priorities and work plan 
2). Recommending mechanisms and methodologies for obtaining public opinion on specific transportation issues 

3). Serving as a liaison between the public and CCJPA

4). Commenting on significant transportation issues and recommending possible solutions

The RAC members would receive a meeting stipend to be used for Amtrak travel.

Respectfully, 

Capitol Corridor Riders United for a Rider Advisory Committee

Rail Passengers Association, Washington DC 

Nate Miley, President, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Alan L. Nagy, Newark Mayor 

Pauline Russo Cutter, former San Leandro Mayor

Bob Woerner, former Livermore Mayor

Matt Turner, Chair, Alameda County Transportation Commission BPAC

Steps to make our Voices Heard

Step 1 - Sign the Petition 

Step 2 - Coordinate group emails to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority advocating the establishment of the Rider Advisory Committee

Step 3 - Speak during public comment (Zoom or in-person) at the September 20th Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority meeting  

Link: https://www.capitolcorridor.org/ccjpa-board/