Category: Press Releases

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. 

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 

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.

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