New Goleta train depot expected to serve many needs from UCSB and the Santa Barbara airport to Buellton
GOLETA, Calif. - The long-awaited new Goleta train depot project has begun, and it will serve thousands of passengers annually with more convenient services than what is currently a very limited stop.
The full-service station will be built next to the existing platform at the end of La Patera Lane.
A Thursday morning ground breaking brought state and local leaders to the site, many who have been working on the project for years. Former Councilmember and Mayor Mike Bennett said, Goleta has grown to deserve this depot for residents, travelers and the work force. "Oh, absolutely. I always felt that, Goleta deserved a reasonable and decent depot for the for the train. Then as I got better educated over time, I became more convinced it would make a perfect multi-modal center for train, busses, bicycles."
It is expected to serve passengers using the train going to and from the airport which will be a short distance from the depot. It is also convenient to reach UC Santa Barbara.
For north county travelers in the Santa Ynez Valley, this will be their train station choice with the most choices.
The depot site is served by the Pacific Surfliner with multiple daily trips from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
One of the passengers coming off the morning train was Paul Dyson who is with the Rail Passenger Association of California and Nevada. He says this project will make a significant difference here. "It's people's introduction to the railroad. It's the station. The depot. So first impressions count. And I think it's going to attract a lot more people. Make them think about taking the train. "
The facility will have automated ticketing and a bike storage area.
This is a $32-million project with funding coming from the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and the City of Goleta.
There were also property acquisition costs of $6.7 million to obtain the vacant building from Direct Relief, a former tenant of the site.
County Supervisor Das Williams put on a special train hat and said, "I'm so excited. I'm wearing a train hat. And the reason, I'm excited is not just to have a train station, but it's to have a piece of what could be a thriving commuter rail system." He also said the Metrolink train will be serving the area in Spring.
Goleta Councilmembe James Kyriaco said, the train depot and the growing use of the train is vital to Goleta. "When we are done, not only will we be a regional jobs hub, we will be a regional transportation hub. And that is so important for the South Coast and areas beyond."
Assistant City Manager Jaimie Valez told the gathering , "we look forward to celebrating this new train depot with all of you by the summer of 2026."
Construction is expected to be completed by Summer of 2026.
The Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Association of Government Margie Kirn said, "in ten years, 20 years, they're going to say thank God they thought of this. Thank you for making this happen." As she kicked off the ground breaking she blew a train whistle a couple of times and got a cheer from the group.
