A Special Message from Managing Director Rob Padgette

December 11, 2025

Dear Riders, 

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I want to take a moment to talk about the past few weeks, both what went well and where we fell short.  

Some of you experienced significant delays, and in some cases our communications did not reach you as quickly as they should have.  

On Wednesday, December 3, a trespasser incident in Berkeley required both tracks to be closed for several hours while railroad personnel and first responders were on scene. This resulted in delays of up to two to three hours on multiple trains and one cancellation. Our first customer notification went out later than it should have, and I understand how frustrating that was for many of you. We are reviewing our processes so that information reaches you more quickly in the future.  

Even as we work through these challenges, there is also encouraging news about how the service is performing overall. Thanksgiving week was our highest ridership since 2019, with more than 31,000 passengers traveling and nearly 6,000 riders on our busiest day. Several trains carried more than 500 passengers, and many exceeded 400. 

As of Monday, December 8, full service has returned, with 15 weekday round trips (30 weekday trains) and 22 weekend trains, bringing us back to pre-pandemic service levels for the first time in more than five years. To support this growth, we’ll be adding more equipment to the service over the coming months. Your feedback has been essential in shaping these schedule adjustments, and we will keep listening as you experience the new schedule.  

We know there is more to do. We are re-evaluating our real-time alert tools, improving coordination with our operating partners, and tightening internal processes so that updates reach you more consistently. You deserve clear communication and my team, and I are committed to delivering it.  

Thank you for your patience, for sharing your feedback, and for continuing to ride with us. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on the train.

Warm Regards,

 

Rob Padgette 
Managing Director, Capitol Corridor 

Holiday Service Adjustments 2025

December 10, 2025

Winter Weather is here in the Bay Area and Northern California. Whether you are taking the train or bus, passengers are advised to check road closures and weather conditions before traveling. Service delays and cancellations may occur due to heavy rain and snowstorms. Here are the following service adjustments:

Train Schedule and Bus Connections

  • Capitol Corridor service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thursday, December 25, and day after Christmas, December 26.  See holiday schedule here.
  • Capitol Corridor service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and the day after New Years, January 2.  See holiday schedule here.

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PAST ADVISORIES

In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, the Capitol Corridor is prepared to accommodate holiday travelers.  We encourage you to plan–ahead and book early. Here are the following service adjustments:
Train Schedule

  • 49ers Game Special Service: Train 550 will depart from the Santa Clara/Great America station at 9:20PM on Monday, November 24. See schedule here.
  • Capitol Corridor service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28.  See holiday schedule here.

Bus Connections

  • Bus connection to Santa Barbara (#4790 and #4794) will operate sixty minutes earlier for all stops (except endpoint, SLO) on Wednesday, November 26, and Sunday, November 30.  See schedule here.
  • Connecting bus service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28. See schedule here.

Sign up for Capitol Corridor service alerts! Subscribers can sign up individually for Weekday Service Alerts and Weekend Service Alerts through email or SMS here. More Holiday Service Adjustments 2025

Capitol Corridor Restores Full Service for the First Time Since Pre-Pandemic

December 2, 2025

OAKLAND, CA — December 2, 2025 — Capitol Corridor is officially back to full service, marking a major milestone in the region’s post-pandemic recovery. Beginning Monday, December 8, 2025, riders will see additional service, more travel flexibility, and improved reliability across the entire route. 

This service restoration brings the system to 15 weekday round trips (30 weekday trains and 22 weekend trains) returning the Capitol Corridor to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in more than five years. 

“This is a big moment for our riders and our communities,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director, Capitol Corridor. “Returning to full service means better travel options and better reliability.” 

The schedule brings several improvements designed around rider feedback and travel patterns: 

  • Better on-time performance 
  • Later morning and evening trains 
  • Later weekend service between Sacramento and Roseville (SAC–RSV) 

With more trains and better spacing throughout the day, riders can expect easier connections, smoother trips, and more options for work, school, and events. 

For full schedule details, visit capitolcorridor.org. 

About CCJPA and the Capitol Corridor®
Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service that connects Northern California’s most economically vibrant urban centers, from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With free Wi-Fi onboard, Capitol Corridor trains offer a convenient, reliable, and comfortable alternative to the region’s congested freeways. The service now transports more than 1.13 million passengers annually. For more information, visit www.capitolcorridor.org 

Contact:
Vernaé Graham, Capitol Corridor 

Feeling the Holidays Blues?

November 21, 2025

Feeling the Holiday Blues? You’re Not Alone.

For many people, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and connection. But for others, this time of year can feel heavy, lonely, or overwhelming. This season can bring a mix of emotions, and added pressure from the holidays or disruptions to routines may contribute to what’s often referred to as the holiday blues, a feeling of sadness, stress, or fatigue that some people experience during this time of year.

At Capitol Corridor, we know that this season can be complicated. Whether you’re traveling to visit family, returning home from school, or commuting through your daily routine, we want to acknowledge that not everyone experiences the holidays the same way and it’s okay if this time of year is hard.

Two sets of hands holding each other.

You’re Not Alone

Feeling down, anxious, or disconnected during the holidays is more common than many people think. Reaching out to friends, family, coworkers, or a mental health professional can make a meaningful difference. Small acts of connection, like a phone call or text message, can create moments of support and remind you that you’re not navigating this season in isolation.

Taking Care of Yourself

If you find yourself struggling, consider these reminders:

  • Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Your emotions are valid, and your experience matters. 
  • Set boundaries when you need them. It’s okay to say no, take breaks, or create space for yourself. 
  • Prioritize rest and routine. Sleep, food, movement, and downtime can help steady the mind and body. 
  • Reach out to someone you trust. Connection is one of the most powerful tools we have.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

If you or someone you love is in crisis (or simply needs someone to talk to) confidential help is available 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,call or text 988. These trained counselors are there to listen, support, and help you or your loved one stay safe.

For tips on staying safe around trains and tracks, please look at California Operation Lifesaver’s resources.

From all of us at Capitol Corridor, we wish you comfort, safety, and connection this holiday season. 

CAPITOL CORRIDOR MARKS TWO YEARS OF PET-FRIENDLY TRAVEL

Oakland, CA, November 18, 2025 – The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is proud to celebrate the second anniversary of its pets onboard program, a popular service that continues to make train travel more enjoyable for passengers and their pets. 

Since launching in November 2023, the program has welcomed more than 2,200 pets onboard Capitol Corridor trains, generating $64,000 in revenue across its first two years. In FY25 alone, approximately 1,200 pets traveled with their humans, contributing more than $34,000 in revenue—a 20 percent increase in pet ridership and a 13 percent increase in revenue for this program compared to the previous year. 

“Our pet-friendly policy just turned two, and it’s been a huge success,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director of the Capitol Corridor. “We continue to see steady growth in pet travel, which shows how much our riders value the ability to bring their companions along for the journey, especially during the holiday season.” 

The program has been well received by passengers, providing a convenient and affordable way to bring their small pets (cats and dogs) with them. For many riders, it has become an essential part of their travel routine, offering comfort, flexibility, and a shared sense of connection while riding Capitol Corridor.  

Pet Travel Policy Highlights 

  • $29 per pet (one-way) 
  • Pets under 20 pounds (dogs and cats only) 
  • One pet per reservation 
  • Advance online booking required 
  • Carrier size limit: 19″L x 14″W x 10″H 
  • Pets must remain in carrier under the seat for the duration of the trip 
  • Pets permitted in all train cars except the Quiet Car and Café Car 

For additional details and conditions, visit capitolcorridor.org/pets. 


About CCJPA and the Capitol Corridor®

Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service that connects Northern California’s most economically vibrant urban centers, from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With free Wi-Fi onboard, Capitol Corridor trains offer a convenient, reliable, and comfortable alternative to the region’s congested freeways. The service now transports more than 1.13 million passengers annually. For more information, visit www.capitolcorridor.org. 

Contact:
Vernaé Graham, Capitol Corridor