The North Valley Rail Stop in Plumas Lake: A Gateway to Regional Connectivity

The North Valley Rail Stop in Plumas Lake is a proposed passenger rail station that forms part of the ambitious North Valley Rail Project, which will bring passenger rail service from Sacramento's Natomas area northward to Chico in Butte County. As one of four planned stops along this corridor, the Plumas Lake station represents a significant transportation investment for the growing community and the broader North Valley region.

Currently, the North Valley region relies primarily on Thruway buses for transit connections, with only the once-daily Coast Starlight train between Seattle and Los Angeles providing any rail service. The North Valley Rail Project aims to transform this limited connectivity by extending Altamont Corridor Express and Amtrak San Joaquins trains north of Sacramento, better integrating the region into California's statewide rail network.

The Plumas Lake stop is strategically positioned as the first station north of Sacramento, placing it ideally for residents who commute to the state capital and beyond. The proposed initial service level includes four round trips daily, providing multiple options for commuters and travelers throughout the day. Estimated travel time between Chico and Sacramento is 90 minutes, with fare costs projected between $25 and $35, making it an economically viable alternative to driving.

Recent developments have accelerated the project's momentum. In January 2025, Yuba County received a $35 million federal grant that will support infrastructure work in Plumas Lake, including provisions for the future North Valley Rail Stop. This funding demonstrates strong federal support for expanding passenger rail service in Northern California.

The Butte County Association of Governments serves as the lead agency for the project, working closely with the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, Caltrans, and other regional stakeholders. A comprehensive strategic plan was completed in May 2024 following extensive public input and technical analysis, marking a crucial milestone in bringing the project from concept to reality.

The benefits of the Plumas Lake station extend beyond simple transportation access. The project supports transit-oriented development and furthers California's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The station will serve as a local transit hub, connecting residents to employment centers in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley, and Southern California. It will also improve equity by providing access to jobs and educational opportunities for disadvantaged populations.

The entire North Valley Rail Project carries an order-of-magnitude cost of approximately $500 million in 2022 dollars. While the start date for service remains to be determined, the completion of planning documents, securing of federal funding, and ongoing coordination among agencies indicate steady progress toward implementation. For Plumas Lake residents, the rail stop promises to transform regional connectivity and enhance quality of life for years to come.

For more information, visit www.northvalleyrail.org