Get on Board!

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 

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

June 13, 2025

OAKLAND, CA, June 13, 2025Following 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. 

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 

Capitol Corridor Announces Fare Adjustments Effective April 1, 2025

March 12, 2025

Capitol Corridor Announces Fare Adjustments Effective April 1, 2025 

OAKLAND, CA, March 11, 2025 – The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) will implement fare adjustments effective April 1, 2025, marking the first major fare change since 2019. This initiative works to align operational expenses with revenue while improving accessibility for short-distance travelers. 

“We remain dedicated to providing fast, reliable, and affordable intercity rail service,” said Robert Padgette, Managing Director of CCJPA. “These fare adjustments reflect our ongoing efforts to adapt to changing travel needs and ensure the sustainability of our service.” 

Since 2019, Capitol Corridor has maintained steady fares, absorbing rising fuel and labor costs to keep travel affordable. In response to evolving ridership patterns and a commitment to service improvement, CCJPA conducted a comprehensive fare analysis to develop a structure that better serves both new and existing passengers. 

Fare Structure Update 

  • Reduced Short-Distance Fares: Passengers traveling less than 50 miles will benefit from reduced fares across single-ride, student (6-ride), and 10-ride tickets, making shorter trips more economical.
  • Modest Increase for Longer-Distance Multi-Ride Passes: To align with operational expenses, 10-ride and 6-ride tickets for longer distances, along with all monthly passes, will see a modest 3% fare increase.
  • Minimum Fare Implementation: Fares as low as $5 will be established for all single-ride tickets, while 10-ride and 6-ride tickets will have fares as low as $4 per ride.
  • Emeryville-San Francisco Bus Fares: While there are no direct changes to Emeryville-San Francisco bus fares, adjustments to multi-ride ticket fares to Emeryville will result in fare modifications for this route.

table displaying fare charts 

See fare charts here.

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 

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority Announces Appointment of Six New Board Members and Four Alternates

February 21, 2025

Oakland, CA – February 21, 2025 – Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members and four alternates to its Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term. Approved during the February Board meeting, these appointments bring fresh perspectives to the CCJPA Board and strengthen its leadership.  

Newly appointed Board members: 

  • Mark Foley – San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) – returning member
  • Edward Wright – BART Board Director
  • Matthew Rinn – BART Board Director
  • Ken Broadway – Placer County Transportation Planning Agency – Rocklin, CA, City Council Member
  • Tim Schaefer – Sacramento Regional Transit District – Citrus Heights, CA, City Council Member 

Newly appointed alternate Board members: 

  • Suzanne Jones – Placer County Transportation Planning Agency – Placer County Supervisor 
  • Rod Brewer – Sacramento Regional Transit District – Elk Grove, CA, City Council Member
  • Mayra Vega – Yolo County Transportation District – Woodland, CA, City Council Member
  • Catherine Moy – Solano Transportation Authority – Fairfield, CA, Mayor

In addition, CCJPA recognizes the leadership transition that occurred during its November 2024 Board meeting with the election of Roseville, CA, City Council Member, Bruce Houdesheldt, as the new CCJPA Board Chair and BART’s Board Vice President, Melissa Hernandez, as CCJPA’s Board Vice Chair.

Houdesheldt has been on the CCJPA Board for the past four years and has more than 25 years in leadership. Their combined leadership will help guide the agency in its continued efforts to expand and improve the Capitol Corridor service.

“We are excited to welcome such accomplished leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Bruce Houdesheldt, Board Chair. “Together, with our alternates and dedicated staff, we are committed to advancing Capitol Corridor’s critical role in regional and intercity transportation, fostering sustainable mobility, and enhancing passenger experience across Northern California.”

As the agency remains committed to growing ridership and enhancing service across the diverse communities it serves in Northern California, the newly appointed Board members bring a wealth of experience in business, transit, and transportation—ensuring that CCJPA stays at the forefront of regional mobility and public transportation development.

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

Capitol Corridor Marks First Anniversary of Pets Onboard Program

November 22, 2024

Oakland, CA, November 22, 2024 – The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of its Pets Onboard program, a popular initiative launched in November 2023 just in time for the Thanksgiving travel season. Over the past year, more than 1,000 pets have traveled with their owners onboard Capitol Corridor trains, generating more than $30,000 in revenue.

“We are delighted by the enthusiastic response to our Pets Onboard program,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director of Capitol Corridor. “It’s heartening to see how this service has enhanced the travel experience for so many of our passengers by allowing them to bring their furry companions along. We’re grateful to Amtrak for their collaboration in bringing this highly requested service to life.”

The program has been well-received by passengers, offering a convenient and affordable way to bring small pets along for the journey. With the holiday season underway, the Capitol Corridor looks forward to continuing this popular service, allowing families and their four-legged friends to travel together.

Pet Travel Policy

  • $29 per pet (one-way)
  • Pets under 20 pounds (dogs and cats, only)
  • One pet per reservation
  • Pet travel must be booked online in advance
  • Pet must remain in carrier onboard
  • Carrier size: 19’Lx14’W x10”H
  • Pets must remain in carrier onboard with carrier under the seat
  • Pets allowed in all train cars, except the Quiet Car, and the Café car

For additional conditions of the pet travel policy, 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 over one million passengers annually. For more information, visit www.capitolcorridor.org.

Contact:
Vernaé Graham, Capitol Corridor