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Capitol Corridor Receives $1.9 Million Check from Office of Homeland Security
Voter-Approved Proposition 1b Funds Enhances Passenger Rail Security
OAKLAND, CALIF., April 29, 2008 -- California Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen today announced the state allocated $1.9 million dollars to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) to help enhance safety and security measures on the system. The $1.9 million is part of the overall $15 million dollars earmarked this year to improve passenger rail safety and security in the state, funding made possible by the voter-approved Prop 1B, a transportation measure to improve infrastructure, security, and public safety.
"The $1.9 million dollar check is the first installment of a multi-year investment totaling $19 million for Capitol Corridor security measures," said CCJPA Board Member Roger Dickinson. "More and more northern Californians choose the Capitol Corridor because it's a reliable, efficient, affordable and safe. As we grow, it's our goal to continue to meet the traveling public's needs, which includes their need to feel safe when they are on the trains or at the stations." CCJPA Director Dickinson received a ceremonial check from Director Matthew Bettenhausen at a news conference in Sacramento today.
The Prop 1B bond funding allows the CCJPA to bolster security by installing security cameras throughout the system, enhancing the existing passenger communications system and constructing a Security Operations Center.
"The Proposition 1B funding allocated to Capitol Corridor is a triple win scenario," said CCJPA Chair Forrest Williams. "By making our passenger rail service safer we are getting more people out of their cars, which eases congestion, improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the region. As an added bonus, these funds reinvested for various security projects will also help create jobs along our corridor."
Service Earns #1 Ranking in the Nation for Customer Satisfaction
OAKLAND, CALIF., May 14, 2008 -- The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) has announced two significant achievements: CCJPA set the highest monthly ridership record in the history of the Capitol Corridor service and customers ranked Capitol Corridor number 1 in the nation in Amtrak's Customer Satisfaction scores.
"In April, 145,234 riders boarded our trains," said CCJPA Chair Forrest Williams. "This beats the previous monthly threshold set in May 2007 when 141,789 passengers rode Capitol Corridor. We are only halfway through our fiscal year and our revenue and popularity with the public continue to soar."
Why the Increase?
Capitol Corridor officials attribute the rise in revenue to increased weekend ridership and passengers taking advantage of Capitol Corridor's exceptional customer service and affordable fares. "Our improved on-time performance, train frequency, comfortable and stress-free rides make Capitol Corridor a viable transportation alternative to driving," said CCJPA Managing Director Eugene Skoropowski. "Amtrak gathers the customer satisfaction scores each month for 43 passenger rail corridors nationwide and we are proud to rank number 1 for the second time this year."
Top Reasons Passengers Ride Capitol Corridor
Supplementing the national rating, Capitol Corridor conducts its own Customer Satisfaction Study twice a year. In the January survey, the top five reasons passengers choose Capitol Corridor include avoiding traffic, enjoying the relaxing ride, saving money, using travel time productively and helping to protect the environment. In addition, 63% of the passengers stated if Capitol Corridor service was not available they would drive alone instead, making the Capitol Corridor a key contributor in reducing automobile-based greenhouse gases and improving regional air quality.
Capitol Corridor, Amtrak and Caltrans Honors Emeryville Resident Doras Briggs
First Recipient of the California Golden STAR Award
OAKLAND, CALIF., May 10, 2008 -- The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Amtrak and Caltrans announced the recipient of the first California Golden STAR award at today's National Train Day celebration in Emeryville. The three entities created the California Golden STAR (State Advocate of Rail) award to honor advocates from California who are dedicated to the cause of passenger rail.
"Doras Briggs is honored for her tireless devotion to passenger rail service, for her service on countless passenger rail advisory and advocacy groups and for creating the 'Station Host' program," CCJPA Chair Forrest Williams said. "The Golden STAR award will be rotated throughout the state, but I am thrilled that the very first recipient of this award lives along the Capitol Corridor route."
Examples of Doras' leadership and support for passenger rail include serving as:
Director of both the National Association of Railroad Passengers and Train Riders Association of California;
Former member of the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee and the Contra Costa County Ad Hoc Intercity Rail Advisory Committee; and
Citizen Representative of the California Coast Rail Coordinating Council.
"My love of trains began when I was five years old in Waterloo, Iowa and it hasn't diminished since," said Doras Briggs. "When I was on the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee I made 77 speeches until I ran out of steam."
Briggs had the innovative idea to create the Station Host program. "Thanks to Doras, the Amtrak Station Host program began in March 2001, right here in Emeryville," said Amtrak Assistant Superintendent Anthony Chapa. "Station Hosts are trained volunteers who help our passengers at Amtrak stations. The program has grown so successful for Amtrak that stations all over the country have adopted it."
Eighty-nine-year-old Briggs still volunteers most mornings, donning her official Station Host cap to greet and help waiting Capitol Corridor riders.
"We unanimously selected Doras Briggs for this honor because her efforts have helped raise awareness that we can't continue to pave our way out of congestion," said William Bronte, Chief, Caltrans Division of Rail. "Celebrating National Train Day and promoting intercity passenger rail supports an important travel alternative that's greener, cleaner and cheaper."
Today's first annual National Train Day celebration was hosted by the City of Emeryville, Wareham Properties, CCJPA, Amtrak and Caltrans. It was one of over 50 community celebrations held in passenger rail stations all over the country.
OAKLAND, CALIF., May 22, 2008 -- In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) has announced that the Capitol Corridor trains will run on a Weekend/Holiday schedule on Monday, May 26, 2008.
Holiday Travel Tips
Holiday travelers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive early at stations as parking is limited at many stations. Passengers boarding at Oakland Jack London Square are reminded that due to construction passenger parking is located at 200 Embarcadero West.
Capitol Corridor officials recommend that passengers pack light as riders are limited to two pieces of carry-on baggage. Each carry-on bag must weigh less than 50 lbs.
Riders can find the Capitol Corridor Weekend/Holiday schedule, parking information and the entire luggage guidelines online at http://www.capitolcorridor.org.