Dear Riders,
It has been a busy three months since we last shared our FY2023 accomplishments and first quarter of FY2024 developments with you. I’m pleased to report that Capitol Corridor’s ridership continues to rebound, growing closer to pre-pandemic numbers. Recently, we surpassed the 1 million ridership mark for the previous 12 months (Trailing 12 Months, TTM, a term for data collected from the past 12 consecutive months. This data differs from fiscal year reporting).
In January, we asked for your input regarding our FY2024-25 & FY2025-26 Business Plan. We appreciated the overwhelming feedback we received and are addressing some of your suggestions that will ultimately improve your traveling experience. We thank you for choosing to ride our service and the role you play in its success.
Updates
We are once again encouraging passengers to consider traveling on Trains 536 and 540 to alleviate crowds on Train 538. We are offering 50 percent off café items on Trains 536 and 540 now through May 31. If you decide to ride Train 538, please be sure to place your bags under your seat or in the overhead compartment, keeping the seat next to you free for someone else. And please make room at the tables for four, so everyone has a comfortable ride home. While we hate to see trains so crowded that we run short of seats, we are fortunate to have this “problem” again.
Bicycle Capacity – With more passengers using bikes and scooters for the first and last mile connection, we ask that you securely store them in the lower-level bike storage area of the train. Please avoid leaving your bike in the aisles or vestibules. Additionally, electronic bike lockers are available at stations along the route for a nominal fee. For more information, please visit our bikes page.
Travel Planning Apps – In the previous Message to Riders, I mentioned that we launched real-time train information (GTFS-Realtime feeds) available to riders through their favorite travel planning apps. It now includes Google Maps, as well as Transit App, and Moovit. In the future, complete GTFS-Realtime feeds will allow passengers to view train locations, trip updates, and service alerts all in one place.
First-Time Riders – We recently updated our online First-Time Rider guide, adding more video content to help first-time and regular riders navigate and learn helpful tips about our service. And coming soon at your request, we are developing new onboard first-time rider posters. We hope these posters and online tips will help enhance the first-time rider’s overall experience. Please share these links with your friends and family that have an interest in taking the train but might be a little intimidated to give it a try.
Special Offers/Activities
- Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) – In March, we launched a new promotion allowing you to purchase one full-fare ticket and get another companion ticket for free. This promotion runs through Labor Day and is only available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
- On Wednesday, May 8, Capitol Corridor will host “Cappy Hour” with discounted beverages on all trains traveling between 3:00 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Levi’s® Stadium – Kick-off of Levi’s Stadium Summer Concert Series with Luke Combs is around the corner, Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. We encourage you to take advantage of the late-night train after the concert, leaving Santa Clara Station at 11:30 p.m. Visit our website for more information.
- A friendly reminder to please be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when traveling through train stations, on platforms, and onboard our trains. If you see something that doesn’t seem like it belongs, please say something to Capitol Corridor, Amtrak personnel, call Amtrak Police or 911. For other safety tips, please review our Rail Safety and Security page.
In closing, if you’re a first-time rider, we welcome you aboard the Capitol Corridor. Let us know your thoughts about your first trip. Your input is essential to our success.
