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Category: From the Managing Director

Thanks a Million! A Message from Managing Director Rob Padgette

November 12, 2025
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Hello,

As we head into the holiday travel season, I want to take a moment to thank you for riding with us and share a few updates to make your holiday trip smooth and enjoyable. It’s been a busy and rewarding year for Capitol Corridor, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. 

Milestones Worth Celebrating 

One Million Riders and Growing!
In FY25, more than 1.13 million of you rode with us—a 10 percent increase over the previous fiscal year! To celebrate, our team was out early one October morning at the Sacramento and Emeryville stations, engaging with passengers and hearing your stories. Those conversations reminded us why we do what we do every day. You’re the heart of Capitol Corridor, and we can’t wait to keep the journey rolling with you. Here’s to the next million!  

Two Years of Traveling with Pets
Our pet policy just turned two, and it’s been a huge success. Since launching in November 2023, more than 2,200 pets have traveled alongside their humans. The numbers keep climbing, and we love seeing so many of you choosing to bring your pets along for the ride, especially during the holidays.  

Holiday Travel Tips 

One Ticket, One Seat
We know trains get busy during this time of year, we’d like to remind you to buy your tickets early. Remember to keep the seat next to you free for another passenger by storing your bags overhead or under your seat. Small gestures like this make a big difference in helping everyone travel comfortably. 

Bringing Your Bike or Scooter?
We’re thrilled that so many of you take advantage of our bike-friendly service, but bike spaces can fill up quickly during peak periods. If you’re able, consider an earlier or later train to help ease congestion. And if you only need a bike on one end of your trip, consider using one of the secure bike lockers at our stations, just a nickel an hour. Thanks for your patience as we work to keep this popular amenity running smoothly. 

News Updates  

San Francisco Connecting Bus Service – Fare Increase (Emeryville/ San Francisco) 
Beginning December 1, 2025, fares on our connecting bus service between Emeryville and San Francisco will increase by $1.00 for single-ride tickets. Please visit the website for details on fare changes for other ticket types.  

Big Game on the Horizon
Our popular 49ers trains continue to see great ridership gains this season, and we’re gearing up for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Stay tuned for more details on adjusted train schedules, exciting fan opportunities, and travel tips as Super Bowl LX gets closer! 

In the Spirit of the Season
As we gather with friends and family, let’s also take a moment to think of those who could use a helping hand. We’re proud to support several local organizations working hard to fight food insecurity, and we encourage you to give if you’re able.  

Thank you for being part of the Capitol Corridor community. From all of us here, we wish you safe travels during this holiday season – only by train. 

 

Warm Regards,
Rob Padgette
Managing Director, Capitol Corridor 

A Special Message to Riders: September 2025

September 3, 2025
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UPDATED: 9/8/25

Dear Riders,

We want to let you know about a temporary service disruption on the Capitol Corridor due to locomotive repair work. From Thursday, September 4 through Friday, October 3, 2025, the following trains will be temporarily suspended: Trains 520, 534, 535, and 549.

We recognize that many of you already experienced cancellations last week, and we know how frustrating that can be. Please know we are doing everything possible to minimize impacts while this essential repair work is completed.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding. Our team is working closely with our partners to restore full service safely and efficiently, and we look forward to welcoming you back onboard soon.

RobRob Padgette posing for camera Padgette
Managing Director, Capitol Corridor

 

Message to Riders: May 2025

May 19, 2025
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Dear Riders,  

As we move through the first half of the year, we’re pleased to share continued growth in ridership—thanks in part to many of you returning to in-person work and choosing Capitol Corridor as your mode of transportation. We’re grateful to be part of your journey and remain committed to improving your travel experience.

Updates  

More Trains, Better Connections
Starting June 2, 2025, Capitol Corridor will increase weekday service from 12 to 14 round trips, while maintaining 11 round trips on weekends. Our long-term goal remains a return to 15 weekday round trips this fall. 

Schedule highlights include: 

  • Full restoration of 14 weekday trains between Oakland and San Jose
  • Two additional midday westbound trains from Sacramento to Oakland
  • Improved service during peak-periods:
    • Sacramento: Morning arrivals at 7:10 a.m. and 8:10 a.m.
    • San Jose: Evening departures at 4:05 p.m., 5:05 p.m., and 6:05 p.m.

View the updated schedule here.  

Fare Adjustments – Lower Fares for Short Trips 

On April 1, we implemented our first major fare update since 2019. The key benefit: reduced fares for trips under 50 miles, making shorter rides even more affordable. 

To help support the ongoing quality of our service, we’ve made a modest 3 percent increase to multi-ride and monthly passes for longer-distance travel. These adjustments reflect our commitment to keeping travel accessible, reliable, and responsive to your changing needs.

Other News 

  • Surveys: Keep an eye out for current and upcoming surveys from Capitol Corridor and partners like UC Davis. Your feedback helps shape future improvements. 
  • On-Time Performance: We’re proud to report OTP is now at 90 percent —the highest since before the pandemic. 

As we head into the summer travel season, we’re making meaningful strides in service, fares, and reliability—thank you for your continued support. Whether you’re traveling onboard with your bike for a weekend adventure, heading to a concert or baseball game with friends and family, or traveling with a beloved pet, we’re here to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. 

Rob Padgette posing for cameraSee you on the train! 

Rob Padgette
Managing Director, Capitol Corridor 

Message to Riders: February 2025

February 4, 2025
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Dear Riders, 

As we start the new year, I wish you strength and optimism. I’m also excited to share the significant milestones and progress we’ve made during FY2024 and the early part of FY2025. Your support has been crucial to the success of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), and I sincerely thank each and every one of you. 

FY2024 Successes

Capitol Corridor experienced impressive growth in both ridership and revenue in FY2024. For the first time since 2019, we exceeded one million riders in a single fiscal year, generating more than $25 million in revenue. Special event trains contributed to that success, transporting more than 13,000 passengers to sporting events and concerts. Our FY2024 Performance Report is now available, and I encourage you to take a look at the progress we’ve made together. 

In 2024, we successfully obtained significant grants for our capital projects. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) granted us $20 million through the CRISI Program, matched by $5 million from CalSTA’s Strategic Rail Assistance (SRA) Program to improve rail safety across Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties.  

At the state level, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) awarded us $14 million through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to support key rail improvement projects.

Annual Business Plan Workshops

You are also encouraged to review our FY2025-26 & FY2026-27 Business Plan Update, which will be available Friday, February 7, 2025, on the Capitol Corridor Business Plan page. This plan outlines upcoming service expansion, equipment updates, and much more. We are hosting both onboard and virtual public workshops to discuss the plan and receive your feedback. Following these will be a two-week online comment period to share your thoughts. 

Join us for onboard workshops: On February 11–13, join us for Cappy Hour onboard! Our staff will be in the Café Car to discuss the Annual Business Plan, answer questions, and collect your feedback. Plus, enjoy discounted beverages on all trains! 

  • Tuesday, February 11: Train 547 (Sacramento to Richmond) 
  • Wednesday, February 12: Train 541 (Richmond to San Jose) and Train 542 (Oakland to Sacramento) 
  • Thursday, February 13: Train 538 (San Jose to Richmond) 

Virtual workshops: We’re also hosting virtual workshops to discuss the Annual Business Plan and answer your questions.  

  • Monday, February 10: Noon – 1 p.m. 
  • Friday, February 14: Noon – 1 p.m.

Full-Service Schedule

We anticipate returning to full-service by the end of the year. As we work through updating the schedule, we plan to share different options and hope to gain feedback from all of you. Please stay tuned!  

Your support is essential as we work to enhance your travel experience on the Capitol Corridor. 

Rob Padgette posing for cameraSee you on the train! 

Rob Padgette
Managing Director, Capitol Corridor 

Message to Riders: August 2024

August 22, 2024
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Dear Riders,

I hope you’re all enjoying these final days of summer and making the most of your travels on our Capitol Corridor service. We truly appreciate your choice to ride with us and the role you play in our success.

Important News
rail safety month logoAs September Rail Safety Month approaches, and kids are back to school, we want to remind everyone to stay safe around railroad tracks. Passenger safety is our top priority at Capitol Corridor and unfortunately California leads the nation in rail-related fatalities. We partner with California Operation Lifesaver, other rail agencies, and local communities to work towards preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe. Every month is Rail Safety Month.

Other News
This summer, we had the pleasure of hosting Luke Combs and Rolling Stones fans on our special event trains to Levi’s® Stadium for concerts in May and July. Nearly 700 passengers enjoyed our late-night return train service for these events. As we look forward to the upcoming 49ers football season and other events, we will continue to provide convenient train services. Check our webpage for schedules and game dates!

Pets Onboard
We’re thrilled to have welcomed over 600 pets since introducing our Carry-On Pets policy last November. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends with you when traveling on the train this holiday season. Book early!

In closing, we have an exciting Fall schedule packed with events and promotions. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon.

Rob Padgette's signature and photo