——–UPDATE: May 14, 2023 – As of 9:41am this morning, Martinez Station is now reopened. Platforms have also reopened for use. Thank you for your patience.
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Martinez Station will be temporarily closed until Thursday, May 11, 2023 due to ongoing investigation and cleanup. HOWEVER, trains are currently using Ferry Street crossing in front of the Old Martinez Train Depot until Martinez Station reopens. Please listen for conductor’s announcements when boarding/offboarding at Martinez.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and impacts by members from the community. Transportation plays a huge role in revitalizing, reshaping, and defining communities – especially when it comes to public transportation. Transportation is all about improving mobility, connecting people and places to each other, and making communities accessible. The AAPI community has played a big role in improving public transportation and equity in today’s society.
Read more about the Transcontinental Railroad and AAPI events near you here
May is Bike Month and May 18 is Bike to Wherever Day
Bike Month is here! We are less than two weeks away from Bike to Wherever Day on May 18, and it’s time to find your Energizer Station. Bike to Wherever Day is a day for everyone, whether you’re bicycling to work, school, or even around your neighborhood. Stop by one of the East Bay’s 80+ Energizer Stations to get your free limited-edition canvas tote bag. You can find the full map and plan your route at BikeEastBay.org/BTWD.
Register for the Corridor Conversations Webinar!
On Thursday, May 18 at 12PM, join us for the Corridor Conversations webinar! At this free online event, members of the Capitol Corridor team, including Managing Director, Rob Padgette, will discuss Capitol Corridor service, upcoming plans, and be available to hear your feedback and comments.
Everyone is invited to participate – come prepared with your own questions, or simply listen and learn!
DETAILS:
When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Where: Virtually, through Zoom
Who: Open to the public
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Tap2Ride Pilot Program
You’re invited to experience the Capitol Corridor’s Tap2Ride Pilot Program, our new contactless payment system!
We are selecting approximately 200 frequent riders to be part of the pilot program and provide feedback. Participants will receive exclusive discounts, like $1 off one-way 10-ride pass pricing and FREE rides after completing 6 one-way trips.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to sign up, register your card, and use our new contactless payment pilot system. Watch here!
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, our trains and buses will operate according to the Weekend/Holiday schedule. Please plan ahead and see schedule here
May Special Drink: Margarita
Take advantage of the warmer weather and take the train to explore Northern California. Head to the Café Car and enjoy a refreshing margarita for only $5 this month!
Must present valid gov’t issued ID and be 21+ to purchase. Please drink responsibly.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and impacts by members from the community. Transportation plays a huge role in revitalizing, reshaping, and defining communities – especially when it comes to public transportation. Transportation is all about improving mobility, connecting people and places to each other, and making communities accessible. The AAPI community has played a big role in improving public transportation and equity in today’s society.
The Unforgotten Heroes of the Transcontinental Railroad
The Gold Rush attracted many settlers to the US, but also persuaded Chinese workers to come for a better life and opportunity. From 1863 and 1869, roughly 15,000 Chinese workers helped build the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the East Coast and West Coast of the United States, facilitating economic expansion. Chinese workers made up most of the workforce, working on roughly 700 miles of train tracks between Sacramento, California, and Promontory, Utah. By the 19th century, more than 2.5 million Chinese citizens had left their country and were hired in 1864 after a labor shortage threatened the railroad’s completion.
Even though many Chinese workers were offered a new opportunity, they worked under excruciating conditions. Chinese workers received 30-50 percent lower wages than whites for the same job, earning only $26 a month. They also had the most difficult and dangerous work, including tunneling and the use of explosives. This resulted in an eight-day strike in June 1867. The strike ended without pay parity after Central Pacific (employer) cut off food, transportation and supplies to the Chinese living in camps, but working conditions improved following the strike.
It is important to recognize the sacrifices and establishments of Chinese workers during this time. The Transcontinental Railroad would not have possible without them. They also established a strong Asian community in California, especially San Francisco. Chinese immigrants fought against discrimination for decades and created a better society for all Asian communities in the US.
Read about a story of how a Stanford student discovered that his ancestor, Lim Lip Hong, helped build the Central Pacific Railroad, the westernmost portion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
AAPI Events Near You:
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, take the Capitol Corridor to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento! It is a short and easy walk from our Sacramento Station and features the Chinese Railroad Workers’ Experience. This permanent exhibit provides a glimpse of the Chinese workers who built the western portion of the nation’s first Transcontinental Railroad.
Visit Chinese Railroad Workers’ Experience web page here
Sacramento Station:
California State Railroad Museum: Chinese Railroad Workers’ Experience Exhibit
On Thursday, May 18 at 12PM, join us for the Corridor Conversations webinar! At this free online event, members of the Capitol Corridor team, including Managing Director, Rob Padgette, will discuss Capitol Corridor service, upcoming plans, and be available to hear your feedback and comments.
Everyone is invited to participate – come prepared with your own questions, or simply listen and learn!
DETAILS:
When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Where: Virtually, through Zoom
Who: Open to the public
Capitol Corridor Awarded $42 Million From California State Transportation Agency
We are thrilled to announce the California State Transportation Agency awarded $42 million dollars to Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) and its partners to help enhance access and connections in Northern California! Special thanks to California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin for his support and advocacy.
You’re invited to experience the Capitol Corridor’s Tap2Ride Pilot Program, our new contactless payment system!
We are selecting approximately 200 frequent riders to be part of the pilot program and provide feedback. Participants will receive exclusive discounts, like $1 off one-way 10-ride pass pricing and FREE rides after completing 6 one-way trips.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to sign up, register your card, and use our new contactless payment pilot system. Watch here!
Capitol Corridor Scores Big Win in the Race to Combat Climate Change
A more sustainable fuel made from renewable raw materials will soon run rail fleets in California! Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin’s intercity passenger rail services will achieve their goal to run their entire fleets on renewable diesel by end of May 2023. The transition will begin on May 8, at the Oakland Maintenance Facility when the renewable diesel tank is slated for delivery.
This Earth Day, it’s important for everyone to appreciate this beautiful world. Our daily choices can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of both ourselves, and our planet. So on Earth Month, and every day, consider riding Capitol Corridor to work or exploring a new area of Northern California.
Why Public Transportation is Important
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is one of the seven greenhouse gases the Air Resources Board (ARB) is responsible to monitor and regulate in order to reduce emissions. Transportation is the single largest source of CO2 in California, which is primarily comprised of on-road travel. Only 2% commute by transit in California and 12% commute by transit in the Bay Area. By taking the train, your travel is 31% more efficient than a passenger car. These small actions can inspire others to do the same, which in turn can promoted the longevity of our environment.
Check out our latest blog for Earth Day events near you!
Take 5 for $5 this Spring!
Take advantage of this beautiful weather and take the train to explore Northern California! Buy one full-fare ticket, take up to five more riders for only $5 each-way. Head to Old Town Sacramento or San Francisco to catch a baseball game!
Please book one day in advance to redeem promotion and only valid Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Placerville Station II Park-and-Ride Construction Effective on April 17, 2023
Starting Monday, April 17, 2023, construction will take place at the Placerville Station II Park-and-Ride bus stop and is expected to be completed by July 2023.
For the first phase of the project, the El Dorado Trail will be closed due to construction along Mosquito Road from the trail side. Pedestrians will be detoured through the existing bus station. Buses will continue to enter from Clay Street to pick up passengers and will be detoured through the gravel lot and exit on Locust Ave. Traffic control setup will be used for at least the first 2 weeks of construction.
We do not expect this construction project to impact bus schedules; however, we will temporarily relocate the bus stop at some point during construction. We will provide updates and signals to assist riders in the future.
