Effective August 15, 2022, Capitol Corridor trains will offer a temporary reduced schedule of nine daily round trips. This temporary service reduction is necessary due to workforce shortages that make it challenging for us to offer our full schedule at this time.
The trains that will be affected by this change are 540, 543, 548 and 549, which will be suspended during this time. This change will be in effect through October 2, 2022. These schedule changes are available on our website at capitolcorridor.org/schedules
We look forward to reinstating the suspended trains in early October once additional staff is available to support the schedule. Thank you for your continued patronage.
Many of you have experienced recent extended delays and may have been impacted by train cancellations for which I would like to express my sincere apologies. In particular, we recognize that July 15, 2022, proved to be an extremely challenging day as there were multiple events which took place involving a fatality in one segment of our route, an equipment strike in another, as well as a trackside fire. This series of tragic events caused major delays between Oakland and San Jose, leaving some passengers in a situation where they needed to find other means of transportation. Operations staff did explore alternative transportation options along that segment through a bus bridge; however, driver shortages from local transit agencies prevented that from being an option that we could utilize. AC Transit, BART, County Connection and VTA were able to provide passengers with mutual aid.
In this post-pandemic time, resource constraints continue to prevail, and we will continue to do our best to navigate around them. We appreciate the patience and flexibility many of you have shown during these unexpected incidents.
In 2021, we published our first Rider Profile, which described how the coronavirus has impacted our ridersâ travel, their health and safety concerns, and whyâdespite a world-wide pandemicâthey chose to ride the train.
Throughout the pandemic Capitol Corridor has continued to be a transportation asset to Northern California. Like other public transit options, ridership dramatically dipped since COVID-19 and its variants spread; however, through it all we still have loyal as well as new riders who make Capitol Corridor their preferred travel option.
Pushpraj G. has been a faithful rider for 28 years and says, âIt has been the best 28 years of my life.â Find out why in this edition of Capitol Corridorâs Rider Profile.
MEET OUR RIDER: PUSHPRAJ “PUPLA” G.
Pupla G.
Pushpraj, fondly known as Pupla, began riding Capitol Corridor in 1994. At first, he rode Capitol Corridor five days a week roundtrip from Sacramento to San Francisco; after the year 2000 his route was Sacramento to Fremont and back. Now he rides two days a week between Sacramento and Oakland Jack London Square.
On his very first train ride the conductor greeted him with a predictive welcome, âListen, Pupla, youâll not go back to driving again.â He turned out to be right.
âThose were very prophetic words,â Pupla said. âI would never drive to San Francisco on a regular basis.â
WHY HE RIDES
Pupla used to drive every day to San Francisco, but it was a grueling five-hour commute that prompted a different way to travel. That trip was so stressful, he seriously considered handing over his resignation that day. âI canât do this anymore,â Pupla told his brother, with whom he worked. It was his brother who suggested Pupla check out Capitol Corridor instead of driving. The very next day he did, and what began as a new way to commute turned into an opportunity to be a part of a remarkable camaraderie, where he, and others Capitol Corridor dubbed the âCC Ridersâ, created memorable experiences and built enduring friendships.
Why does he describe his years on Capitol Corridor as his best? âI got to make a lot of friends on the trainâand they became lifelong friends,â Pupla said. âLong-time riders used to say they only went to work for the train ride to enjoy the on-board camaraderie. They were able to socialize hour for two hours each workday. How many people can afford to do that in their regular lives?â
Pupla coined his own phrase for the phenomenon of interacting with people on trains, fellow passengers or train staff whom one would normally not have the opportunity to meet. He calls it âAmtrakismâ.
YEARS OF REMARKABLE MEMORIES
Like all of us who have had a joyful and lengthy connection, Pupla remembers his years onboard with pleasant memories: from Capitol Corridor train events (he won three Cappys In one year!) to gatherings with CC Riders onboard or fun with its alumni at venues along the route. As he reminisced of the many activities his with his train friends, he shared many âsmall worldâ incidentsâexperiences he only had because he was a passenger on our trains!
For example, the CC Riders, who typically rode in the first car, often played bridge while commuting. Conductors would reserve two tables for their bridge game and if they were ever short players the conductor would make an announcement on the train intercom inviting other bridge players aboard to fill in. On one such ride, an elderly woman who accepted the invitation turned out to be the former school librarian at Goswamiâs high school in India.
Another time, Estelle S., who Pupla affectionately called the âQueen of the Trainâ, once introduced him to a passenger who was also from India. After several minutes of conversation, he learned his cousin, an obstetrician, was the doctor who delivered the young lady 18 years before.
Pupla also recognizes the love of trains is expansive. Coincidentally, when meeting his sonâs future father-in-law in Arkansas, Pupla learned he was a fellow train fan who once flew to San Francisco just to ride the Capitol Corridor!
The pandemic, retirement, as well as the work-from-home scenario has broken up the group. Only one other passenger of his original cluster of train friends remains. She brings food, lays out a linen tablecloth and they celebrate the old days each Friday on their ride home to Sacramento.
Yet, despite the pandemic Pupla will not go back to driving to the Bay Area. âI still wear a mask in the mornings, Iâm vaccinated and boosted, so Iâm not worried about catching the virus,â he said.
Lately, heâs noticed more and more passengers riding the train and heâs sure the skyrocketing gas prices have much to do with more riders on his route. âLast week I filled up my tank and it cost $108! I suggest people get on the train–help support the train! Support Amtrakism!â
Sacramento, Calif. (July 8) – A regional partnership led by Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) and its project partners, the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), Downtown Railyard Ventures and Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) were awarded $49,865,000 in funding from the California State Transportation Agencyâs âTransit and Intercity Rail Capitol Program.â
Most of the funding will go toward projects in the city of Sacramento. This funding will build improvements at the Sacramento Valley Station (SVS), construct a new regional bus lay-over and vehicle charging facility, new enhanced regional transit stops, and state of the art transit fare payment technology.
âThe State of California is the national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and this funding will better equip the Capital City to lead the way by providing easier access to transit and safe bike routes in our downtown transit hub,â said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. âBig thank you to all of our regional partners who came together to prioritize these important improvements.â
âWe are excited that the State shares our vision of the Sacramento Valley Station, underscoring the importance of passenger rail as part of mobility in the Sacramento region,â said Don Saylor CCJPA Board Chair and SACOG Board member. âTheir investment will not only establish the station as a transportation hub for the northern California mega-region but will increase the safety and reliability of our rail and transit systems, ultimately improving the overall passenger experience.â
Photo Courtesy of Steelblue for City of Sacramento/Perkins&Will
This crucial funding will advance SVSâs transformation into Northern Californiaâs premier rail and transit hub by increasing transit ridership, encouraging transit-oriented development, reducing dependence on the automobile, increasing alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips for low income and special needs populations and decreasing emissions.
In addition, it will set up the next phase of work that will allow more transit services to serve SVS than any other station in Northern California. SVS will not only be the busiest train station in Northern California but will become a model for statewide efforts that integrate transit and promote efficient land use.
âWe are excited for this new regional funding that will improve transit connectivity between regional rail, light rail and bus in the downtown core and work toward a seamless convenient payment option for riders,” said SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li. “SacRT looks forward to our continued work with CalSTA, the City of Sacramento, CCJPA and SACOG to help improve mobility and expand intermodal options in our region.”
These interrelated projects will integrate local, regional, and intercity transit/rail service to create new mobility options, improve the transit experience, increase transit ridership, support bus electrification, and advance the regionâs climate goals.
Photo Courtesy of Steelblue for City of Sacramento/Perkins&Will
Ridership at Sacramento Valley Station is also expected to be positively impacted by the Cityâs housing policies, confirmed with a âPro-Housingâ designation by Californiaâs Department of Housing and Community Development, the first city to receive such a designation in the state. A significant amount of housing is expected to be added in the Railyards District, adjacent to the station area.
San Francisco remains on the list of top tourist destinations around the worldâand for good reason. Whether youâve made a trip or two over the past year, or you commute in regularly, thereâs always something new and fresh to experience. From dining to entertainment, San Francisco continues to reinvent itself and renew interest from local visitors and those traveling from miles away. If youâre looking for a reason to make the trip, well weâve got a fun list of activities and dining experiences that keep us returning to The City. But first, letâs go over some options for getting there and then how to get around once youâve made it into San Francisco.
Getting to San Francisco from the Train
Taking the train for day trips into San Francisco is ideal as it offers great flexibility by connecting with other services:
BART: With shared stations at Richmond and Oakland Coliseum stations, transfers over to BART from the train area seamless.
Connecting Bus: Capitol Corridorâs dedicated bus connection allows passengers to travel by train to the Emeryville station and transfer to the bus and be dropped off in the Financial District in San Francisco at 555 Mission Street, between 1st and 2nd streets. From there, youâre just a 4-minute walk to the Market Street entrance to BART or SF Muni. Both services accept the Clipper Card (available in the CafĂŠ Car) and the Clipper mobile app for payment.
SF MUNI: The sophisticated network of bus and light rail makes SF Muni the best option for getting around San Francisco once youâre there. Now that weâve got the travel logistics taken care of, here are some notable experiences that are ripe with content for your next TikTok or IG Reel.
Concerts and Festivals Have Returned
Outside Lands The famed 3-day festival that marries many of our favorite things all in one place: music, food, art, beverages and more! From August 5-7, you can find yourself swaying to the melodic sounds of headliners Green Day, Post Malone, and SZA; gorging out on truly original food creations; and washing it all down with wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Get Tickets
Stern Grove
Not to be outdone, the Stern Grove Festival returns for its 85th season! On Sundays, from June 12 through August 14, attend any (or all) of the FREE concert series featuring top artists from a rainbow of musical genres like Leann Rimes, Tower of Power, Liz Phair, and Too $hort. If this is sounding like music to your ears, youâre not alone. This is a popular event, and while it is free to attend, you must reserve your ticket in advance. Get Tickets
New and Notable Restaurants
Whatâs a trip to San Francisco without having a once in a lifetime dining experience at one of the new restaurants in town?
Egg yolk tonnarelli with Fort Bragg sea urchin, and salmon caviar, topped with spring onion and pink peppercorn.
Sorella
Sorella (âsisterâ in Italian) opened in December 2021 in the Nob Hill area. Sister restaurant to Acquerello, Sorella offers a more casual experience which is perfect for dinner with family or friends but promises sophisticated dishes that are not easily forgotten. I mean, can you tell me the last time you experienced egg yolk tonnarelli with Fort Bragg sea urchin, salmon caviar, spring onion and pink peppercorn?! They are open for dinner and will have you saying amore before the night is through. More Info
The Palm Court at RH San Francisco
If you thought Restoration Hardware was only serving up home dĂŠcor, then you only know the half! Â After years of construction and design, last month RH opened the doors of its new 80,000-square-foot location. The building itself has become a true work of art and worth visiting; however, youâll want to get inside to take in the five floors of luxury furniture, the rooftop park, and of course dine! Yes, theyâve made this a true destination with the inclusion of The Palm Court Restaurant and Bar. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all being served up in the most refined manner: rustic country style Belgian waffles, fresh burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, Kaluga caviar, Wagyu ribeye, the list really does go on. This is surely one for the books! More Info
Space Adventure Cobra cocktail and Bluefin Tuna Toast
Kaiyo Rooftop
We all have that hip friend that travels to the best new bars, restaurants or weekend getaways and dazzles us with tales from their latest excursion. If you beat them to Kaiyo Rooftop bar and lounge, itâll be your turn for bragging rights. This hot new Japanese and Peruvian inspired rooftop cocktail bar and lounge opened at the beginning of year and is located next door to the San Francisco Giants stadium, on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel. Hint of Spice, Effervescent, and Tropical are just a few of the drink categories that youâll be introduced to. Many have familiar ingredients that have been represented in new and delightful combinations. A full restaurant is expected late this summer, but thereâs no need to wait as they currently have mouthwatering small plates and sushi that are excellent for sharing. More Info
Things to Do
With a vast offering of museums, live performances, and iconic sites, visitors are never at a loss for things to do in San Franciscoâmany of which youâre probably familiar with. But letâs check out a few that you may not have heard about just yet.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
From the page to the screen and now to the stage, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently running at the Curran Theater through early January 2023. This adventure-packed show features the favorite literary trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione who return to Hogwarts School 19 years later for a live action performance of witchcraft and wizardry. Tickets are on sale now!
Neverland (San Francisco) An Immersive Peter Pan Inspired Bar
Long before the world of J.K. Rowling came into our lives, we were all captivated by tales of Neverland penned by J.M. Barrie. During this one-of-a-kind experience, youâll be completely immersed in the world of Neverland thatâs been created in a pop-up bar that is completely designed to transport you back into the harrowing tales of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle, and Captain Hook. Tickets are required for this unique engagement and includes a welcome drink, two cocktails, and a theatrical experience. Youâll have until August 7 to take in this event. Get Tickets
Stagecoach Greens
Putter up for San Franciscoâs only outdoor mini golf course with a twist. Skip the traditional putting greens and make your way through 18 California themed holes that feature replicas of the Sierra Tunnels Mining Co., Mission Bay Shipyard, a nod to the Transcontinental Railroad with a miniature locomotive, and more. Book your tee time online for this distinct activity. Book Now
Travel With Flexibility
One thing that we have learned over the last few years is that we must be flexible. We are living in a time where things come up and plans may change. As an unreserved service, your Capitol Corridor ticket is valid up to one year from the original travel date. Need a later or earlier train? Or maybe you need to travel the following week? Thatâs no problem; you can use that same ticket without making any modifications, provided you are traveling within the same city-pair (i.e. Sacramento to San Francisco). Restrictions apply for tickets purchased with a promotion or discount.
