Capitol Corridor Monitoring Coronavirus and Enhancing Cleaning Protocols

Updated: May 2021

LATEST NEWS:

With public health conditions significantly improved and ridership demand on the rise, the Capitol Corridor is increasing service on June 7, 2021. Read more about the June 7th schedule increase here.

Face coverings are still required on board trains, buses and at stations, even with the expected reopening of the state on June 15, 2021.

Visit the Health & Safety page of our website for details about how we are maintaining a healthy and safe travel environment.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the Capitol Corridor since the statewide shelter-in-place order first went into effect on March 16, 2020. We created this page as a central place for the most current, updated information about all aspects of our service, including how we’re keeping trains and buses clean, and how riders can change or cancel tickets.

Train and Bus Service Impacts

The Capitol Corridor is currently operating on a temporary, reduced schedule. Cafe Car service is suspended, but will be be phased back in with a limited food and beverage menu starting on Monday, June 7.

If you use other transit providers as part of your travel, be sure to check those individual agency websites for the most current schedule information. Many of our transit partners have implemented service reductions as a result of COVID-19, and schedules could change at any time.

Stations

Reduced hours have been implemented at the staffed stations of Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Emeryville, Oakland Jack London Square, and San Jose.

Hours are currently as follows:

Sacramento: 5 AM – 12 AM
Davis: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (MONDAY – FRIDAY ONLY)
Martinez: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Emeryville: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Oakland Jack London Square: 6 AM – 10:30 PM
San Jose: 9:15 AM – 8:45 PM (MONDAY – FRIDAY ONLY)

The Reno Station is temporarily closed starting Tuesday, March 31; however Capitol Corridor connecting buses are still serving its bus stop.

NOTE: Unaccompanied minor travel is still permitted per the standard policy, which allows children under 16 to travel without a parent or adult guardian between staffed stations only.

Parking

We are currently not certain if and how cities will be enforcing parking policies, and are working with them to receive clarification. We will update this page if/when we have more information.

Ticket Refunds & Cancellations

During this time, we do not want you to have to worry about losing money on unused tickets for any reason.

Because of the coronavirus disruption, Amtrak, which handles our bookings, has waived change fees for all single-ride/round-trip, multi-ride, and group tickets purchased through March 31, 2021. Please note, however, that because the Capitol Corridor is an unreserved service, you can technically use a purchased ticket on another travel date within one year as long as the itinerary is the same (same traveler(s) and same origin/destination stations.) If you think you will be able to use your ticket within one year, we recommend you keep the ticket as is instead of changing it. If you do decide to modify your ticket (for example, if need to change the origin and/or destination station), simply log in to your account, go to ‘Modify Trip’ on Amtrak.com, or find your reservation from your account on the home screen in the Amtrak app. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary.

If you need to cancel your ticket, cancellation fees may apply. To request a refund on a single, 10-ride, six-ride, or monthly ticket, you must call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) and ask to speak to the Refund Department. DO NOT press 1 for the Capitol Corridor as instructed by the automated message; this will transfer you to the Capitol Corridor’s Telephone Information Center, which is not equipped to issue refunds or change tickets.

For group travel, trip leaders should call the Amtrak Group Desk at (800) 872-1477 to request a refund or cancel an existing reservation. Please also note that the Capitol Corridor is not accepting new group travel reservations until further notice.

Safety and Cleaning

We want to assure you that the safety of our passengers is and will always be our highest priority. Following are highlights of the protocols we have implemented with Amtrak, our operating partner, to maintain a safe environment on board trains and at stations. You can also find this information on the Health & Safety page of our website.

Enhanced cleaning: We have increased the frequency of cleaning service on our trains and at stations to multiple times a day, and in some cases, on an hourly basis. We have also increased the use of disinfectants that kill viruses to wipe down handrails, doorknobs, handles, and surfaces.
Increased supplies of disinfectant products: Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes for customers and employees are available throughout our trains and at stations.
Cashless Payments: Amtrak is only taking cashless payments in stations and on board trains. You may purchase tickets via CapitolCorridor.org, Amtrak.com, or the Amtrak mobile app. Passengers do not need a paper ticket to board the train and are encouraged to take advantage of electronic ticketing options.
Air Filtration: Each rail car has a dedicated HVAC system that fully exchanges air up to 22 times an hour. For the health of our passengers, our team is now changing filters more frequently – every five days, three times faster than before.
Reinforcing good hygiene practices: We are regularly sharing best practices for protection against communicable diseases with customers and employees. (See tips below.)
Physical Distancing: Passengers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people while at stations and on board trains and buses. Signage has been displayed at several busier stations to indicate safe physical distances. Train conductors and bus drivers are available to assist riders on board with finding an appropriate seat.
Face Coverings Required: All Capitol Corridor passengers and staff are required to wear a face covering while on board trains, buses, and at stations. Children who cannot maintain a face covering are exempt from this requirement. Customers who don’t comply will be denied boarding, denied service, and may be removed from the train and banned from future travel.

Good Hygiene Tips

Personal hygiene is an important factor in reducing the spread of coronavirus, flu, and colds in general. Following are important personal hygiene guidelines we encourage everyone to follow:

Wear a face covering when using the Capitol Corridor service. Face coverings are required on board trains, buses, and at stations at all times until further notice. Customers may temporarily remove their face covering to eat or drink. Customers who don’t comply will be denied boarding, denied service, and may be removed from the train and banned from future travel.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water – and for 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizers. All Capitol Corridor trains have bathrooms with sinks, hot water, and foaming soap for frequent hand washing. Hand sanitizer dispensers are also available on all trains and at stations.
Cover your cough or sneeze. When sneezing or coughing, use tissues and promptly dispose of them or cover your mouth with your sleeve or elbow.
Stay home. If you are feeling ill, please avoid being in public spaces and stay home until you are feeling better.

If you would like more information on the coronavirus and on staying healthy, please visit the CDC’s website.

Contact Information

If you think you may have been exposed to coronavirus, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

We also want people to know they can contact the Capitol Corridor confidentially to report a possible exposure on our service through our Help Center.

For the latest updates from the Capitol Corridor, you can subscribe to our eNews service here and follow us on Facebook and Twitter pages.