Sacramento, Calif. (July 8) – A regional partnership led by Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) and its project partners, the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), Downtown Railyard Ventures and Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) were awarded $49,865,000 in funding from the California State Transportation Agency’s “Transit and Intercity Rail Capitol Program.”
Most of the funding will go toward projects in the city of Sacramento. This funding will build improvements at the Sacramento Valley Station (SVS), construct a new regional bus lay-over and vehicle charging facility, new enhanced regional transit stops, and state of the art transit fare payment technology.
“The State of California is the national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and this funding will better equip the Capital City to lead the way by providing easier access to transit and safe bike routes in our downtown transit hub,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Big thank you to all of our regional partners who came together to prioritize these important improvements.”
“We are excited that the State shares our vision of the Sacramento Valley Station, underscoring the importance of passenger rail as part of mobility in the Sacramento region,” said Don Saylor CCJPA Board Chair and SACOG Board member. “Their investment will not only establish the station as a transportation hub for the northern California mega-region but will increase the safety and reliability of our rail and transit systems, ultimately improving the overall passenger experience.”
Photo Courtesy of Steelblue for City of Sacramento/Perkins&Will
This crucial funding will advance SVS’s transformation into Northern California’s premier rail and transit hub by increasing transit ridership, encouraging transit-oriented development, reducing dependence on the automobile, increasing alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips for low income and special needs populations and decreasing emissions.
In addition, it will set up the next phase of work that will allow more transit services to serve SVS than any other station in Northern California. SVS will not only be the busiest train station in Northern California but will become a model for statewide efforts that integrate transit and promote efficient land use.
“We are excited for this new regional funding that will improve transit connectivity between regional rail, light rail and bus in the downtown core and work toward a seamless convenient payment option for riders,” said SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li. “SacRT looks forward to our continued work with CalSTA, the City of Sacramento, CCJPA and SACOG to help improve mobility and expand intermodal options in our region.”
These interrelated projects will integrate local, regional, and intercity transit/rail service to create new mobility options, improve the transit experience, increase transit ridership, support bus electrification, and advance the region’s climate goals.
Photo Courtesy of Steelblue for City of Sacramento/Perkins&Will
Ridership at Sacramento Valley Station is also expected to be positively impacted by the City’s housing policies, confirmed with a “Pro-Housing” designation by California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the first city to receive such a designation in the state. A significant amount of housing is expected to be added in the Railyards District, adjacent to the station area.
San Francisco remains on the list of top tourist destinations around the world—and for good reason. Whether you’ve made a trip or two over the past year, or you commute in regularly, there’s always something new and fresh to experience. From dining to entertainment, San Francisco continues to reinvent itself and renew interest from local visitors and those traveling from miles away. If you’re looking for a reason to make the trip, well we’ve got a fun list of activities and dining experiences that keep us returning to The City. But first, let’s go over some options for getting there and then how to get around once you’ve made it into San Francisco.
Getting to San Francisco from the Train
Taking the train for day trips into San Francisco is ideal as it offers great flexibility by connecting with other services:
BART: With shared stations at Richmond and Oakland Coliseum stations, transfers over to BART from the train area seamless.
Connecting Bus: Capitol Corridor’s dedicated bus connection allows passengers to travel by train to the Emeryville station and transfer to the bus and be dropped off in the Financial District in San Francisco at 555 Mission Street, between 1st and 2nd streets. From there, you’re just a 4-minute walk to the Market Street entrance to BART or SF Muni. Both services accept the Clipper Card (available in the Café Car) and the Clipper mobile app for payment.
SF MUNI: The sophisticated network of bus and light rail makes SF Muni the best option for getting around San Francisco once you’re there. Now that we’ve got the travel logistics taken care of, here are some notable experiences that are ripe with content for your next TikTok or IG Reel.
Concerts and Festivals Have Returned
Outside Lands The famed 3-day festival that marries many of our favorite things all in one place: music, food, art, beverages and more! From August 5-7, you can find yourself swaying to the melodic sounds of headliners Green Day, Post Malone, and SZA; gorging out on truly original food creations; and washing it all down with wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Get Tickets
Stern Grove
Not to be outdone, the Stern Grove Festival returns for its 85th season! On Sundays, from June 12 through August 14, attend any (or all) of the FREE concert series featuring top artists from a rainbow of musical genres like Leann Rimes, Tower of Power, Liz Phair, and Too $hort. If this is sounding like music to your ears, you’re not alone. This is a popular event, and while it is free to attend, you must reserve your ticket in advance. Get Tickets
New and Notable Restaurants
What’s a trip to San Francisco without having a once in a lifetime dining experience at one of the new restaurants in town?
Egg yolk tonnarelli with Fort Bragg sea urchin, and salmon caviar, topped with spring onion and pink peppercorn.
Sorella
Sorella (‘sister’ in Italian) opened in December 2021 in the Nob Hill area. Sister restaurant to Acquerello, Sorella offers a more casual experience which is perfect for dinner with family or friends but promises sophisticated dishes that are not easily forgotten. I mean, can you tell me the last time you experienced egg yolk tonnarelli with Fort Bragg sea urchin, salmon caviar, spring onion and pink peppercorn?! They are open for dinner and will have you saying amore before the night is through. More Info
The Palm Court at RH San Francisco
If you thought Restoration Hardware was only serving up home décor, then you only know the half! After years of construction and design, last month RH opened the doors of its new 80,000-square-foot location. The building itself has become a true work of art and worth visiting; however, you’ll want to get inside to take in the five floors of luxury furniture, the rooftop park, and of course dine! Yes, they’ve made this a true destination with the inclusion of The Palm Court Restaurant and Bar. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all being served up in the most refined manner: rustic country style Belgian waffles, fresh burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, Kaluga caviar, Wagyu ribeye, the list really does go on. This is surely one for the books! More Info
Space Adventure Cobra cocktail and Bluefin Tuna Toast
Kaiyo Rooftop
We all have that hip friend that travels to the best new bars, restaurants or weekend getaways and dazzles us with tales from their latest excursion. If you beat them to Kaiyo Rooftop bar and lounge, it’ll be your turn for bragging rights. This hot new Japanese and Peruvian inspired rooftop cocktail bar and lounge opened at the beginning of year and is located next door to the San Francisco Giants stadium, on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel. Hint of Spice, Effervescent, and Tropical are just a few of the drink categories that you’ll be introduced to. Many have familiar ingredients that have been represented in new and delightful combinations. A full restaurant is expected late this summer, but there’s no need to wait as they currently have mouthwatering small plates and sushi that are excellent for sharing. More Info
Things to Do
With a vast offering of museums, live performances, and iconic sites, visitors are never at a loss for things to do in San Francisco—many of which you’re probably familiar with. But let’s check out a few that you may not have heard about just yet.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
From the page to the screen and now to the stage, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently running at the Curran Theater through early January 2023. This adventure-packed show features the favorite literary trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione who return to Hogwarts School 19 years later for a live action performance of witchcraft and wizardry. Tickets are on sale now!
Neverland (San Francisco) An Immersive Peter Pan Inspired Bar
Long before the world of J.K. Rowling came into our lives, we were all captivated by tales of Neverland penned by J.M. Barrie. During this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll be completely immersed in the world of Neverland that’s been created in a pop-up bar that is completely designed to transport you back into the harrowing tales of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle, and Captain Hook. Tickets are required for this unique engagement and includes a welcome drink, two cocktails, and a theatrical experience. You’ll have until August 7 to take in this event. Get Tickets
Stagecoach Greens
Putter up for San Francisco’s only outdoor mini golf course with a twist. Skip the traditional putting greens and make your way through 18 California themed holes that feature replicas of the Sierra Tunnels Mining Co., Mission Bay Shipyard, a nod to the Transcontinental Railroad with a miniature locomotive, and more. Book your tee time online for this distinct activity. Book Now
Travel With Flexibility
One thing that we have learned over the last few years is that we must be flexible. We are living in a time where things come up and plans may change. As an unreserved service, your Capitol Corridor ticket is valid up to one year from the original travel date. Need a later or earlier train? Or maybe you need to travel the following week? That’s no problem; you can use that same ticket without making any modifications, provided you are traveling within the same city-pair (i.e. Sacramento to San Francisco). Restrictions apply for tickets purchased with a promotion or discount.
Due to utility and road work, now through Sunday, June 12, 2022, the South Lake Tahoe Y Transit Center is stop is being temporarily relocated to the South Y Shopping Center at 1040 Emerald Bay Road.
The image below shows directions from the Tahoe Y bus stop to the temporary bus stop.
The forecast is full of sunny days ahead, and what better time than now to get out and experience one of the scenic destinations along the Capitol Corridor route? If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that includes biking, beautiful nature views, delicious dining options, and thrilling adventures, we have designed a trip just for you! Here’s all that you’ll need to know to plan a fun-filled weekend in Placer County.
Getting to Placer County
The Capitol Corridor train offers daily service to Roseville, Rocklin, and Auburn; and with the convenience of complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a Café Car, you’ll be able to slip into relaxation mode as soon you board the train. To make this weekend adventure completely car-free, bring your bike onto the train at no extra cost.
Where to Stay
The Park Victorian is a short bike ride (about a mile) from the Auburn train station. The restored inn sits on 6.5 acres near Old Town Auburn and is picturesque inside and out, boasting several elegant suites to choose from.
Things to Do
While you might be inclined to spend the weekend lounging about, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to make the most of the trip. Spend the day taking in the views of the American River along the 3.5 mile Confluence Trail. The difficulty is moderate, making it accessible for many visitors. To get there, hop on the Auburn Transit Shuttle at the Historic Firehouse in Old Town Auburn to be taken straight to the American River Confluence for an all-day mountain biking or hiking experience.
To keep the adrenaline pumping, we recommend visiting Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin. This is one place not to be missed during your trip, as it will dispel any notion of what you thought it might be like to visit a rock quarry. Activities include zip lining, a climbing wall, paddle boats, and even a free fall for the not so faint of heart. There’s adventure for visitors of all ages, the Kidz Kove features climbing nets, balance beams, Miner’s Maze and more. What may surprise you to know is that the onsite Amphitheater is also a concert venue. Check out the Quarry Park Amphitheater for upcoming events. To get to the park, bike over to the Auburn train station and catch the Route 10 Auburn to Light Rail bus to the Sierra College Campus. From there, it’s just a 9-minute bike ride (1.4 miles) to Quarry Park Adventures.
The trip would not be complete without taking a stroll through Old Town Auburn, which also happens to be the location of the first gold discovery in Placer County. Its historic charm remains intact and is exactly where you will want to spend time making even more memories while shopping and dining.
Now that you’ve have an itinerary that’s loaded with outdoor excursions and satisfying food options, the next step is booking your car-free excursion. Take advantage of current discounts on train travel by booking Capitol Corridor’s 30th Anniversary deal, which offers 30% off full adult fares through June.
With gas prices continuing to rise in California, Golden State travelers are feeling the pinch at the pump. Public transportation is a convenient and economical alternative, and the Capitol Corridor is making it even more affordable by extending its 30% off fare promotion through the summer. More As Gas Prices Soar, the Capitol Corridor Expands 30% Off Train Fare Discount
