Manteca is now working toward having expanded parking at the Moffat Boulevard transit center in place when ACE service is extended to Ceres in 2026.

Originally, service was scheduled to be up and running by 2024.

The two-year delay is on account of a complicated review process that Union Pacific Railroad – which operates freight trains on the same tracks to be used by ACE trains – must undertake to ensure safety for all and maintaining reliable freight deliveries.

The timeline now calls for ACE service to Turlock by 2029.

ACE trains would start serving  Livingston and Merced by 2030.

The ACE system will tie into the California High Speed Rail system in Merced.

It is expected that ACE trains will ferry passengers to Bay Area destinations and north to Sacramento from the high speed trains when they start operating on the initial segment from Merced to Bakersfield.

The state plans to eventually run high speed under Pacheco Pass and up the San Francisco Peninsula through Gilroy and San Jose.

Earlier this month, the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission was awarded $40 million in Trade Corridor Enhancement Program funds to double track the Union Pacific Railroad line between Turlock and Ceres.

It now has $97 million of the $133.4 million needed for the double track project.

They are submitting applications for state and federal money to fully fund the endeavor.

“We would like to thank the CTC (California Transportation Commission) for continuing to support expanding sustainable transportation in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Leo Zuber, Chair of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and Ripon Coty Council member.

“The $40 million TCEP award continues SJRRC’s commitment to working with our State and Federal partners to fully fund the Valley Rail Program which will connect so many new communities to rail transportation.”

Following the same alignment as the existing mainline track, the project will also include the extension of two culverts, modification of the undercrossing at Highway 99, and improvements to 11 at-grade crossing locations. The improvements will enhance current freight mobility and allow for passenger service as a part of the larger Valley Rail service plan.

Manteca will also have a passenger platform installed along the tracks between the transit center and the Manteca Veterans Center.

The location will accommodate ACE trains for boarding and disembarking without blocking the Main Street crossing.

The extension of ACE service to Ceres in 2026 will also start commuter rail service to Manteca’s downtown station, downtown Ripon, as well as downtown Modesto.

Service northward to Sacramento that includes stops in Stockton, Lodi, and Elk Grove is targeted to start in 2027.

Trains originating in Ceres will run to San Jose as well as Sacramento.

They will be added to existing ACE service from Stockton as well as Lathrop/Manteca to San Jose.