Car vs. Light Rail; All OK

A light rail train and automobile collided at Iron Point Road on Monday night; The driver apparently fell asleep and the car veered on to the track. Bystanders were able to get the driver and her 2 daughters out before the collision.

2 Tracks for Light Rail

In what looks like a state-mandated requirement for green transportation alternatives, Highway 50 is getting the go-ahead for an extra HOV lane. Part of the agreement is adding an extra light rail line all the way to Folsom. This would double the amount of trips in between Folsom and Sunrise, currently running once every 30 minutes.

Care to Take the Train to Placerville?

What were once-flourishing railroads are now little more than a distant memory. A local group is proposing to restore the rail line that starts at Historic Folsom and ends all the way up to Placerville. Excursion trains would then take people up the hill on weekends. While few doubt the train would be fun, so far nobody’s come up with a price tag.
* Archived story from the Bee

Hidden Gold in Folsom

It’s no secret that Folsom’s start was that of a 19th century gold-mining community. What is a little-known item is that you can still pan for gold – on the weekends, the interpretive area is open with a blacksmith, gold panning, a settler’s cabin, as well as old rail cars. Check it out when you are looking for a weekend diversion!

Light Rail Not Moving Many Homeless

Many feared that the addition of light rail to Folsom would attract an unwelcome amount of homeless. According to the Advisory Committee on Homeless in Folsom, the homeless population has not raised. Current homeless programs appear to be adequate to fit current needs.

Light Rail’s a Hit

2 days in to the new light rail locations in Folsom, and it is clearly a big hit. Trains have been packed with commuters traveling to Sacramento, and Folsom commuters now have a new alternative to the daily commute. Read about it in the Bee.

Light Rail, Powerhouse Ready to Roll

Like it or not, Folsom Light Rail is here. Trains have been preparing all week for the historic event, as city officials and dignitaries will mark the return of rail service to Folsom. “Folsom Yesterfest” will celebrate 150 years of history in Folsom, with ice cream, music, as well as the re-opening of the historic Folsom Powerhouse.
* Light Rail Finishes Up

Blocking Tracks Will Cost $200

Light Rail is about to begin service in Folsom, and Folsom Police will now begin enforcing laws against stopping on train tracks. Drivers cited for failing to stop at designated lines will be fined $200, since it is considered a red-light violation. Passenger service begins October 15, but operators will be training before then. Story in the Sacramento Bee.

Homeless Get a Lift

The Folsom City Council is ready to approve a $200,000 upgrade to the city’s only homeless shelter on Wales Drive. About 65 people in the city are labeled, and some wonder if that number will rise once light rail start up in Folsom. Powerhouse Ministries hopes to have the shelter open year-round. Details

Light Rail Delayed

Light Rail to Folsom’s historic district has been pushed back yet again from April 2005 to October 2005, due to property negotiations. With the Dam Road closure and increasing traffic along Highway 50, this is not good news for commuters. When the stations open, a trip from Folsom to Downtown Sac should take 40 minutes, the same as driving. Details on TheKCRAChannel.com