Capitol Corridor scores big win in the race to combat climate change

April 22, 2023
Share:

A more sustainable fuel made from renewable raw materials will soon run rail fleets in California

Oakland, CA, April 22, 2023 – Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins 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.

“The successful testing of renewable diesel to run locomotives was spearheaded by Capitol Corridor and as a result, intercity passenger rail services throughout California will soon run on cleaner fuel,” Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Chair Robert Raburn said. CCJPA is the entity that manages Northern California’s intercity passenger rail service. “The project was a collaborative effort of statewide partners committed to advance California’s goal of zero emissions,” Raburn added.

What is Renewable Diesel (RD)?

RD is chemically similar to fossil diesel but made from renewable raw materials such as used cooking oil, not crude oil. Because RD is produced by utilizing the already existing carbon stored in the renewable raw materials in nature, when the fuel is combusted, the carbon dioxide it emits is not considered as adding new carbon to the atmosphere. The use of fossil diesel, on the contrary, releases new carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Other emissions, such as fine particulates and nitrogen oxides may also be reduced through the use of renewable diesel, which improves local air quality.

State and federal partners collaborate to find new fuel source for California passenger rail

“CCJPA initiated the exploration of alternative fuel options in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board (CARB),” Robert Padgette, CCJPA Managing Director said. “The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) stepped up to fund the testing and worked with the passenger rail equipment manufacturers to ensure the efficacy of the new fuel source. CalSTA also worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to obtain official certification” Robert Padgette, CCJPA Managing Director added.

Transitioning from polluting fuels to a more sustainable option is aimed to reduce a fleet’s environmental impact, but it is an effort that takes technical expertise, funding as well as regional and federal oversight. To protect public health, the EPA has stringent standards to reduce fine particles and other harmful emissions from locomotive engines as well as the fuel trains use.

California Intercity Passenger Rail services team up for cleaner air

Soon passenger rail travelers throughout California will know their trips are helping to combat climate change and air pollution as other rail services will soon fuel their entire fleets with RD.

“Switching to renewable diesel has been a strategic initiative for the San Joaquins,” Brian Schmidt, Director of Equipment Services at the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) said. “SJJPA would like to thank CCJPA for its leadership in converting our shared fleet to renewable diesel. Our collective commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has taken a large step forward.”

”As we implement on our Climate Commitment, we welcome new ways to support Amtrak trains in California – including the 170-mile long Capitol Corridor route,” said Jeanne Cantu. Amtrak Vice President, California. “We are thrilled that the pilot’s success allows us to operate on renewable diesel resulting in fewer lifecycle emissions throughout California.”

Testing partnership showcases the potential for rail industry to swap to renewable diesel

CCJPA, worked with Amtrak, fuel distributor RD contractor Western States Oil, and RD producer Neste, world’s leading producer of RD, to successfully complete testing of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ in August 2022. RD certification followed in November 2022. Neste MY Renewable Diesel is fully compatible with all diesel engines and current diesel fuel distribution infrastructure, so Capitol Corridor did not need any extra investments or modifications to make the switch. Made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable raw materials, Neste MY Renewable Diesel can reduce up to 75% of GHG emissions over its life cycle compared to fossil diesel.*

“We are thrilled to help Capitol Corridor complete the testing of Neste MY Renewable Diesel in their locomotive,” says Carrie Song, Vice President, Americas from Renewable Road Transportation business unit at Neste. “Renewable diesel is a solution available already today to reduce GHG emissions from all diesel engines. This testing showcases the potential of using renewable diesel to combat climate change for the rail industry.”

*Per Neste sources, the GHG emission reduction varies depending on the region-specific legislation that provides the methodology for the calculations (e.g. EU RED II 2018/2001/EU for Europe and US California LCFS for the US), and the raw material mix used to manufacture the product for each market.

About CCJPA and the Capitol CorridorÂŽ
Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service connecting the most economically vibrant urban centers in Northern California – from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, and including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With free Wi-i Fi on board, Capitol Corridor trains provide a convenient, reliable, and comfortable alternative to the congested I-80, I-680, and I-880 freeways for more than 700,000 passengers a year. For more information, visit capitolcorridor.org.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 1 million annual riders and 18 stations providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Prior to service modifications due to the COVID-19 crisis, Amtrak San Joaquins operated 7 daily train round-trips and its Thruway buses provided connecting service to over 100 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. To book your next trip, visit www.AmtrakSanJoaquins.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Contacts:
Priscilla Kalugdan

Earth Day 2023

April 21, 2023
Share:

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 today on Earth Day, 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. Less than 5% of Californians commute by transit and 19% 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 can promote the longevity of our environment.

 

Earth Day Events

Take the train the celebrate Earth Day in Northern California and the Bay Area! Skip the traffic/parking hassles and learn more about how you can make a difference. Whether it’s taking public transportation or using energy efficient appliances, we can help climate change one step at a time.

Sacramento Station:

Sacramento Earth Day Festival

– April 23, 2023, at Southside Park, Sacramento, 11:00am-4:00pm
The ECOS-hosted Sacramento Earth Day is the largest Earth Day celebration in the Sacramento region. It’s free, and it provides thousands of attendees with information on sustainability. This year’s theme is GROW NATIVE.
More information here

 

Davis Station:

The World Earth Festival

– May 12-14, 2023 at the UC Davis Quad, Friday: 12pm-10pm, Saturday: 10am-10pm, Sunday: 10am-6pm
The Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 as a small art class project (“Art Happening”) on the UC Davis Quad. The students used art to teach visitors about the realms of activism, wellness, and environmental sustainability in an interactive and creative way.
More information here

 

Martinez Station:

John Muir Birthday and Earth Day Celebration

– April 22 ¡ 10am – 4pm, John Muir National Historic Site
A wonderful fun filled family day in the sun, at the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site, which includes his 1880s Victorian home and an authentic 1849 Mexican Adobe, along with his orchards and vineyard. There will be food and live music along with many displays relating to history, ecology, and nature.
More information here

 

San Francisco (Emeryville/Richmond Station):

Earth Day San Francisco

– April 22, 2023. 11am-6pm, located on 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park!
Come to San Francisco’s annual Earth Day celebration, as we continue to raise awareness of the environmental and social issues effecting our planet. This beloved and renowned street fair entertains while inspiring people to make more creative and sustainable choices in the way they live their lives.
More information here

Ferry Building Earth Day Activities

– Sunday April 23rd from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us in the Marketplace for a ‘Ferry Family Day’ of kids and family activities! Make a ‘Grow Buddy’ using soil and seeds, upcycle everyday objects to create new works of art, and paint stones to give as gifts or leave your mark in the park.
More information here

 

Oakland Jack London Station:

Earth Day Celebration

– Jack London Square on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11am – 1pm
During the event, attendees will receive a FREE mini Earth Day planting kit (while supplies last) located at the redemption table in the plaza near Plank and will enjoy photo opportunities with an Earth Day themed backdrop.
More information here

 

San Jose Diridon Station:

Earth Day: Water Conservation Discussion, Performance, and Film Screening

– Saturday, April 22: 1pm- 3pm, Chopsticks Alley Art Gallery
Join the AAPI Community for a screening of “A Fleeting Moment,” an animation film, performance, and discussion on water conservation to celebrate Earth Day.
More information here

Placerville Station II Park-and-Ride Construction Effective on April 17, 2023

April 14, 2023
Share:

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.

 

Schedule Adjustments Effective April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023
Share:

 

New Schedule: Effective Monday, April 3rd, the Capitol Corridor will implement a schedule adjustment that is now available for booking.

Adjustments:

  • Train 522 will now depart 30 minutes earlier (5:42am from Oakland Jack London)
  • Frequency adjustments for bus connections between Emeryville and San Francisco
  • Departure time adjustments for bus connections between San Jose and Santa Cruz

For passengers who are affected by the San Francisco bus schedule changes, we recommend connecting to Capitol Corridor via BART at the Richmond Station.

View train schedule HERE
View bus schedule HERE

New Schedule Effective 4/3/2023, Sign Up for the Tap2Ride Pilot Program, and MORE!

March 29, 2023
Share:

 


Schedule Adjustments Effective Monday, April 3, 2023

New Schedule: Effective Monday, April 3rd, the Capitol Corridor will implement a schedule adjustment as follows:

  • Train 522 will now depart 30 minutes earlier (5:42am from Oakland Jack London)
  • Frequency adjustments for bus connections between Emeryville and San Francisco
  • Departure time adjustments for bus connections between San Jose and Santa Cruz

For passengers who are affected by the San Francisco bus schedule changes, we recommend connecting to Capitol Corridor via BART at the Richmond Station.

 


Become a Tapper.
You’re invited to experience Capitol Corridor’s Tap2Ride program, our new contactless payment system.

Tap2Ride lets you conveniently tap your contactless credit card or debit card onboard your train to pay as you go.

We will be selecting approximately 200 frequent riders from those registering on our website to be part of our pilot program to try out Tap2Ride and to give us their feedback.

For participating in the pilot, you will receive exclusive discounts:

  • $1 off the one-way 10-ride pass pricing between the same origin and destination stations
  • Free rides after completing 6 one-way trips between the same origin and destination stations within any given week (Monday to Sunday)

    If you’d like to join the pilot, please visit our capitolcorridor.org/tap2ride website to:

  • Learn more about the contactless payment program and pilot
  • Review your eligibility for the pilot
  • Register to participate
  • Read Our FAQs

 

 


Spring Break: Student Discounts and Car-Free Destinations

CALLING ALL STUDENTS! Let us take care of your travels this Spring Break! Enjoy a car-free trip by taking the Capitol Corridor to your mini getaway or home. We offer FREE Wi-Fi, outlets, drinks and snacks from the CafĂŠ Car, clean restrooms, and plenty of leg room onboard!

Be sure to take advantage of our Stride on Board student and current promotions:

  • 25% with 6-ride ticket good for one year
  • 15% off any trip any time with California Everyday Discounts (Use Promo Code V353)
  • Take 5 for $5! Buy 1 full-fare ticket, take up to 5 more friends for only $5 per person, each way! (Friday- Monday, one day advance purchase)

Looking for car-free destinations in Northern California and the Bay Area? Take the Capitol Corridor to San Francisco, South Lake Tahoe, or Sacramento this Spring Break. Read more here!

 

Let Us Take You Out to The Ballgame!

Batter up! We are thrilled to offer fans an easy way to get to and from the action at San Francisco’s Oracle Park and Oakland Coliseum for all this season’s home games!

In addition to avoiding the stress of traffic and parking, fans who take the train will be able to get an early start by enjoying drinks and snacks available in our CafÊ Car. We also offer FREE Wi-Fi and 10 movies you can stream right from your phone. Sit back, relax, and let us be your designated driver!

Enjoy games with your friends and family and take advantage of our Take 5 for $5 deal. Visit the Deals & Promotions page for booking details. Book travel to Oracle Park or Oakland Coliseum at www.capitolcorridor.org.

View game schedule and read more here!