Giving Thanks for a Stellar Year
November 15, 2011
Thanks to new and loyal passengers, the Capitol Corridor ended its federal fiscal year (FFY2011) with superior results. Over 1.7 million passengers rode Capitol Corridor from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011. I attribute Capitol Corridor’s success to the high on-time performance (OTP) we achieved this year—kudos to Union Pacific Railroad’s stellar dispatching and Amtrak’s commitment to improve mechanical performance. Because of their efforts our OTP hit an average of 95% this year, which keeps the Capitol Corridor as the nation’s most reliable intercity route in the Amtrak system. Northern California travelers have made the Capitol Corridor one of the most popular intercity passenger rail services in the nation and demonstrated that travelers who try trains, stay on trains.
Gearing up for Thanksgiving Travel
Speaking of popularity, last year’s Thanksgiving travelers who chose trains over driving helped to make that holiday weekend the busiest in Capitol Corridor’s service history. Fortunately, we had the foresight to be prepared by adding 5,700 seats on the Capitol Corridor, a 14% increase in seating availability. Plans are in the works to accommodate this year’s Thanksgiving passengers as well!
If you’re traveling by train this holiday season, here are a few travel tips:
- Avoid the Rush: Busiest travel days are the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Purchase tickets (especially for round trip travel) early online at capitolcorridor.org, Quik-Trak ticket vending kiosks or ticket windows at staffed stations. Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes before if tickets need to be picked up. If your trip includes a bus connection, please book in advance to ensure yourself a seat. Print out your ticket confirmation and bring it with you aboard the bus.
- Know the Limits: Note the limit of two carry-on bags per person (excluding laptops, purses, briefcases and infant paraphernalia), and be sure all luggage is tagged with your name and address. Each bag must weigh less than 50 lbs.
- Carry Photo ID: Passengers are required to show valid, government-issued photo identification when purchasing tickets and to ride Capitol Corridor trains and connecting buses.
Gentle Reminder about Travel Etiquette
With so many new passengers on board, I need to gently remind riders about public transit etiquette. Please refrain from having loud mobile phone conversations or music players when you ride. I also ask that you help make everyone’s Capitol Corridor experience a positive one by storing your stuff in the overhead bin instead of the seat next to you; keeping your feet on the floor instead of the seats; and please use the trash and recycle receptacles for your litter.
We know that public transit is a travel option. We are grateful to the over 1.7 million passengers who chose to ride instead of drive. Stay tuned to this site for the big announcement of our latest customer service enhancement—our way of saying “Thanks” for riding our trains!
Posted in Special Issues
