The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) identified Electric Passenger Rail as the preferred transit option for the coastal rail corridor. The SCCRTC also voted to approve a demonstration by TIG/m to show its vehicle in use from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Capitola, as well as in Watsonville. Originally planned for spring 2020, due to the pandemic the demonstration was held in fall 2021. 

The SCCRTC authorized the demonstration as an opportunity for the public to see an example of a modern electric rail vehicle on two sections of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line track. The Watsonville route ran from the intersection of West Beach and Walker Streets to Harkins Slough and back, about 5.2 miles. The Santa Cruz route ran from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola and back, covering 7 miles.

The Coast Futura demonstration was produced with support from a collaboration that included local volunteers, Roaring Camp Railroads and TIG/m, a California-based company. The TIG/m system would cost one-quarter of the cost estimated by the SCCRTC’s 2019 Unified Corridor Investment Study and the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis. The system has the potential to be self-sustaining without increased taxes. The system would be fully compatible with the multiple uses envisioned for the Santa Cruz Branch Line, including the bicycle and pedestrian trail already under construction. Fares would be comparable to current METRO fares. 

TIG/m was awarded Manufacturer of the Year, Environmental and Sustainable Initiative and Highly Commended in the category of Customer Initiative at the 2020 Global Light Rail Awards.