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Capitol Corridor Board Advances Link21 as Standard-Gauge Rail Project and Takes Over Day-to-Day Management

June 19, 2025

Oakland, CA – June 19, 2025 — The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Board of Directors has voted to advance the Link21 Program as a standard-gauge rail project and will assume responsibility for the program’s day-to-day management, in coordination with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). This milestone follows the BART Board’s vote last week to support the same direction, signaling a unified commitment to a more connected and modern rail network for Northern California.

“Taking on the day-to-day management of Link21 positions Capitol Corridor to ensure strong regional coordination, local engagement, and program momentum,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director of CCJPA. “We are honored to help move this visionary project forward in partnership with BART, CalSTA, and many other regional and state partners.”

At the center of Link21 is a new transbay rail crossing between Oakland and San Francisco, which will improve mobility, increase rail capacity, and support statewide connectivity with zero-emission passenger trains. The decision to use standard-gauge tracks—compatible with most regional and intercity rail systems—aligns with California’s long-term vision for an integrated, statewide passenger rail network.

In the coming years, CCJPA and its partners will define a proposed project for the new crossing, advance environmental review, and continue public engagement and technical analysis. A funding and implementation strategy will also be developed in collaboration with state and federal agencies, including pursuing support through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program.

Link21 is included in major regional and statewide plans, including the California State Rail Plan and Plan Bay Area 2050. The program aims to transform travel throughout the Northern California Megaregion by expanding rail options, reducing emissions, and strengthening economic connections.

About CCJPA and Capitol Corridor®
Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service connecting Northern California’s most economically dynamic regions, from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, including major hubs like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. Serving more than one million passengers annually, Capitol Corridor offers a reliable and comfortable alternative to driving on congested freeways. For more information, visit www.capitolcorridor.org.

Contact:
Vernaé Graham, Capitol Corridor

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Metallica Concerts Service Advisory 6/20 & 6/22/25

June 17, 2025

We will have the following adjustments to our schedule to accommodate late-night service to the Metallica concerts at Levi’s® Stadium on Friday, June 20 and Sunday, June 22, 2025:

June 20:
- Train 544 is CANCELED.
- Expect more riders than usual on Trains 543/550.
June 22:
- Train 746 is CANCELED.
- Expect more riders than usual on Trains 743/750.
- Train 745 will extend to San Jose Diridon station.

Passengers who typically travel on Trains 544 or 746 are encouraged to consider alternative trains scheduled at earlier or later times.

Ticket Change and Flexibility
The Capitol Corridor is an unreserved service with flexible ticket options. This flexibility means that your ticket is valid for travel up to a year from the original travel date and allows you to change travel dates and or trains using your original ticket. No ticket changes are required under these conditions should your travel plans change. Restrictions do apply to tickets purchased using promotions. Please review promotions for full details.)

Service Alerts:
Sign up for Capitol Corridor service alerts! Subscribers can sign up for Weekday and/or Weekend Service Alerts through Email/ SMS here: http://capitolcorridor.org/news-alerts/

Press Releases

Link21 Reaches New Milestones for Technology Selection and Inclusion in the State’s Rail Plan

June 13, 2025

OAKLAND, CA, June 13, 2025 – Following robust public outreach and technical and business case analysis, the BART Board of Directors voted to advance the Link 21 Program as a standard-gauge rail project that is part of the California State Rail Plan and a series of projects to be advanced by the state, while seeking federal funding. It will also be considered by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Board on June 18, 2025.

At the core of Link21 is a new transbay passenger train crossing between Oakland and San Francisco that would transform train travel options in the Northern California Megaregion. The decision to use standard-gauge tracks like most other inner-city and regional rail systems across the county, as opposed to BART’s unique broad-gauge tracks, will complement the state’s vision for a connected train network throughout the Bay Area, the northern California Megaregion, and ultimately the entire state. Standard-gauge can accommodate modern, zero-emission passenger trains and the new crossing will improve regional rail connections and build upon ongoing rail investments across Northern California. It also opens the door to compete for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID Program to plan and fund future intercity passenger rail projects.

The day-to-day management of the Link21 Project will now be managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), in coordination with the State Transportation Agency. BART staff will continue to provide support, as will the other standard-gauge rail operators who could potentially operate through the new crossing, and other train facility owners throughout the Megaregion.

“This change will help ensure effective coordination and maintain momentum as the program moves into its next phase,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director of CCJPA. “As the project progresses, CCJPA, BART, and other key stakeholders will continue to collaborate to make sure Link21 contributes to the region’s long-term transportation and climate goals.”

Over the next several years, stakeholders will move forward with defining a Proposed Project for the new standard-gauge rail crossing between Oakland and San Francisco and advancing the environmental review, including identifying alternatives and outreach. A funding plan will be developed in concert with the state and federal government to advance Link21 and other related projects through the Corridor ID Program.

The Link21 Program is a generational transportation initiative that is called for in two separate Bay Area regional measures (Regional Measure 3 and BART Measure RR), the San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Area) long-term transportation plan (Plan Bay Area 2050), and the California State Rail Plan. This project is designed to enhance the passenger experience, expand rail capacity, and contribute to the overall economic and environmental health of the Northern California Megaregion.

Contact:
Vernaé Graham, Capitol Corridor

Take Capitol Corridor to the Ballpark this Summer

June 12, 2025

Baseball season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to get to the game than with Capitol Corridor! Whether you’re rooting for the A’s or the River Cats, Capitol Corridor connects you to all the baseball action at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento.

GETTING TO SUTTER HEALTH PARK
Once you get off the train, public transit connections are available from Sacramento Valley Station to Sutter Health Park. Use our free Transit Transfer for Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) and transfer to Yolobus. These transit connections are great for fans heading to the ballpark for both River Cats and A’s games!

WHAT TO DO ONBOARD
Why not make your trip a summer outing with a group? With the Friends and Family discount, you can save 50% on up to five companion fares when you purchase one full-fare ticket. It’s the perfect way to bring your crew along for a day at the ballpark!

While you travel, grab a bite of classic ballpark snacks like hot dogs, burgers, and your favorite drinks, available in the Café Car. Enjoy our free Wi-Fi service and listen to your favorite tunes to get into the spirit or check lineups and stats online. Explore the Capitol Corridor Wi-Fi landing page for content to enhance your ride, like:

Local reading with featured selections from publications like Sactown Magazine and other regional newspapers and magazines.
Audiobooks and podcasts from Audible, perfect for listening on the ride to and from the game.
Train status information and weather updates so you’re always in the loop.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE GAME
Get ready for game day by checking the schedule of Capitol Corridor trains connecting to River Cats and A’s games at Sutter Health Park here.

Want to spend more time in Sacramento? Explore the local trails and shops, or take a driving tour through California’s capital before or after the game!

Take Capitol Corridor to see Metallica at Levi’s® Stadium on 6/20 & 6/22!

June 11, 2025

Ride the Rails to Metallica with Capitol Corridor
Metallica fans! Are you ready to rock? Capitol Corridor is excited to offer special train service for Metallica’s M72 World Tour, happening Friday, June 20, and Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara!

Getting to Levi’s® Stadium
Hop on the train and ride to Santa Clara-Great America station, a short, 5-minute walk from the venue. We are offering late-night return service for both shows so you can enjoy every moment without worrying about how to get home. Ticketed passengers should give themselves at least 15 minutes to get to the station before and after the concert. Please always stay behind the yellow line.

For the return trip, make your way close to the exit doors prior to the arrival at your station. Trains do not remain in the station for long, so you will need to be ready to offboard upon arrival at your destination.

Metallica Special Train Schedule
Santa Clara – Great America (GAC) station arrivals and departures

Date	Show Start	Show End (estimated)	Westbound Train and Arrival (to GAC)	Eastbound Train and Departure (to Sacramento)
Friday, 6/20	6:00pm	11:00pm	Train 543 arrives GAC at 4:31PM	Train 550 departs GAC at 11:30PM
Sunday, 6/22	6:00pm	11:00pm	Train 743 arrives GAC at 5:38PM	Train 750 departs GAC at 11:30PM

Please note: Train 544 is cancelled on June 20. On June 22, Train 746 is cancelled, and Train 745 will be extended to San Jose Diridon Station.

If you’re traveling with Capitol Corridor for the first time, be sure to check out our First-Time Rider Guide. It has everything you need to know about routes, schedules, buying tickets, and more. To make things even easier, book your tickets in advance, and don’t forget to explore our Friends & Family discount.

Make the Most of Your Onboard Experience
Capitol Corridor is the perfect way to kick off your Metallica night! Once on board, settle into your seat and stream the concert setlist or listen to your favorite Metallica songs using our free Wi-Fi. Seats come equipped with power outlets so you can keep your phone charged and ready for photos, videos, and staying connected with your crew.

Need to fuel up before the show? Head to the Café Car for snacks, meals, and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. You’ll also find restrooms on board, so you can arrive at the venue feeling ready to rock.

Spend Some Extra Time in Santa Clara
There’s more than just the concert happening at Levi’s® Stadium. Make the most of your trip with fan experiences and local attractions just steps from the station.

For the ultimate Metallica experience, check out the official Metallica Pop-Up Shop, open Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 22. You’ll find exclusive vinyl, posters, skateboards, and other limited-edition merch. Throughout the weekend, fans can also enjoy special events like a sneak peek of Metallica’s latest film project. Check out the full details on these fan events!

Capitol Corridor is your ride to Metallica’s M72 World Tour at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara. Rock out with your crew, avoid traffic, and let the journey be part of the memory!

Book travel to Levi’s® Stadium (GAC) at capitolcorridor.org.