CC Rail Mail: More Information on Bus Connection Adjustments, Upcoming Annual Business Plan Public Workshops, Winter Travel Tips, and MORE

January 8, 2024

More Information on Bus Connection Adjustments, Upcoming Annual Business Plan Public Workshops, Winter Travel Tips, and Café Car Updates.

 

Bus Service Advisory

Bus Connection Adjustments

New adjustments are now in effect for the following Capitol Corridor’s bus connections:

  • San Francisco bus stop relocation to 401 Mission Street
  • Added Stop and Time Adjustment between San Jose and Santa Barbara
  • Reservations required between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe
  • Reservations required between Martinez and Vallejo/Napa/Santa Rosa/Eureka/Humboldt

Read more here

 

Annual Business Plan Public Workshops Coming Soon!

Between January 23-26, 2024, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority will hold three (3) onboard public workshops and two (2) virtually via Zoom to present its Draft FY 2024-25 – FY 2025-26 Annual Business Plan. The Annual Business Plan presents an overview of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority’s strategic plan and funding request for the next two fiscal years.

Stay tuned for more information!

 

Winter Weather Travel Tips

Winter Weather is here in the Bay Area and Northern California. Whether you are taking the train or bus, passengers are advised to check road closures and weather conditions before traveling. Service delays and cancellations may occur due to heavy rain and snowstorms.

Here are some helpful resources and tips when traveling to/from Reno-Lake Tahoe.

 

Café Car Updates

You may have noticed a few new items on the menu in recent weeks – we now have a Chicken Caesar Salad, an Italian Club sandwich, and a Cheese Pretzel!

Please note that effective January 8th, 2024, you’ll see modest price increases for select items. We have not increased menu prices in the past few years, despite rising costs for food and beverage items. In the coming months, you can expect that we will make adjustments to prices as we add new items. We are open to hearing your feedback on what you’d like to see on board.

 

“One Ticket One Seat” Policy

As our ridership grows again post-pandemic, some of our popular trains have become busier. We’d like to remind our riders of our “One Ticket, One Seat” policy. This means that your ticket entitles you to use only one seat; personal belongings may be stored in the overhead bins or in front of you at your feet. By adhering to this policy, you are helping to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and safe ride on Capitol Corridor.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Capitol Corridor Bus Connection Adjustments

December 22, 2023

There will be adjustments to some of Capitol Corridor’s bus connections. See below for more information about which routes will have changes and when they will go into effect. Please plan accordingly. 

See our updated Connecting Bus Schedule.

San Jose to Santa Barbara Added Stop and Time Adjustment
Temporary schedule effective December 26, 2023 – December 29, 2023, due to a track outage at Los Angeles Union Station. Daily pick-up times from Santa Barbara will be at 11:55am, 2:00pm, 10:10pm. Pick-up times from San Luis Obispo will be at 12:55pm, 2:15pm, 4:25pm, and 12:35am (next day). UC Santa Barbara – UCSB Loop will also be added as a stop between Santa Barbara and Solvang.  

Effective December 30, 2023, UC Santa Barbara – UCSB Loop will be added as a permanent stop between Santa Barbara and Solvang. Please expect slight timing adjustments after this stop. 

San Francisco Bus Stop Moving to 401 Mission Street
Effective January 1, 2024, the connecting bus stop in San Francisco (SFC) will move from 555 Mission Street to 401 Mission Street on the corner of Mission and Fremont Streets. The new stop is right outside of Salesforce Tower, at the base of the Salesforce gondola. Schedules will remain the same. 

Reservations for Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
Effective January 1, 2024, the Sacramento – South Lake Tahoe Bus Connection will now be reservation only. Tickets can be purchased online or paid upon boarding with cash or Connect Card. The following are ticket prices to travel to each location: 

  • $34 to Sacramento Valley Station 
  • $20 to Placerville Station or Cambridge Rd. Park & Ride 

Reservations for Martinez to Vallejo/Napa/Santa Rosa/Eureka/Humboldt
Effective January 1, 2024, the Martinez to Vallejo/Napa/Santa Rosa/Eureka/Humboldt Bus Connections will now be reservation only. Tickets must be pre-purchased in advance.

For more information, please view our updated Connecting Bus Schedule.

Winter Weather Travel Tips

December 20, 2023

Winter Weather is on its way to the Bay Area and Northern California. Whether you are taking the train or bus, passengers are advised to check road closures and weather conditions before traveling. Service delays and cancellations may occur due to heavy rain and snowstorms.

Here are some helpful resources and tips when traveling to/from Reno-Lake Tahoe:

Capitol Corridor Service Alerts:
– Sign up for weekday and weekend service alerts at capitolcorridor.org
– Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @CapitolCorridor
– Capitol Corridor Phone Number: 1.877.9RIDE-CC (1.877.974.3322) TDD 510-839-2220 (Live agents available Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm PT)

Road and Weather Conditions:
– Check the National Weather Service website for Winter Storm Warnings and Travel Impacts
– Check Caltrans website or call 1-800-427-7623 for road conditions

Ticket Changes and Refunds:
The Capitol Corridor is an unreserved service with flexible ticket options. This flexibility means that your ticket is valid for travel up to a year from the original travel date and allows you to change travel dates and or trains using your original ticket. No ticket changes are required under these conditions should your travel plans change.

For refunds, please visit Amtrak’s Website for more information.

Be Prepared:
Trains and buses may experience power outages and major delays. Bring an extra layer of clothing to keep you warm and comfortable. Passengers are advised to bring portable charges in case of an emergency.

Winter Holidays

December 8, 2023

From our Holiday Express train, Capitol Corridor wishes you a holiday filled with love, warmth, and moments of connection! Capitol Corridor connects Northern Californians across diverse communities and beyond with safe, reliable, and convenient transportation, and our mission is for everyone to feel welcome. We hope to see you onboard this holiday season!  

As we end the year, here are major holidays and events celebrated in December.  

Hanukkah: December 7-15, 2023
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish celebration that typically spans eight nights and days, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. Families come together to share special meals, exchange gifts, and partake in traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). 

Lean more about Hanukkah here

Winter Solstice: December 20-23, 2023
The Winter Solstice celebration marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, usually occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a cultural and astronomical event celebrated by various cultures around the world. The celebration serves as a time to reflect on the cycles of nature, express gratitude, and welcome the gradual return of light after the darkest day of the year. 

Learn more about the Winter Solstice here 

Christmas: December 25, 2023
Christmas, one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, is a festive season that brings warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness. Observed on December 25th, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. Whether celebrated in a religious context or as a secular holiday, Christmas serves as a time for spreading love, compassion, and the joy of giving. 

Learn more about Christmas here 

Kwanzaa: December 26-January 1, 2024
Kwanzaa, a cultural celebration deeply rooted in African American heritage, takes place from December 26th to January 1st each year. Families celebrate by lighting the kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, and each day they discuss and focus on Nguzo Saba principles. Kwanzaa serves as a time for reflection, cultural affirmation, and community building, fostering a strong sense of identity and unity within the African American community. 

Learn more about Kwanzaa here 

At the Capitol Corridor, we prioritize inclusivity and comfortability for our riders. This fosters a sense of community and social cohesion, making public transit a more accessible and welcoming resource for everyone. 

Learn more about Capitol Corridor’s One Train for All  

CC Rail Mail: Info on All Things Holidays, 49ers Game, Fare Update and MORE

December 7, 2023

Holiday Schedule

Holiday Service Schedule

If you’re traveling with us over the next few weeks, please plan and book your trip in advance. As a reminder, we now allow pets onboard Capitol Corridor trains! Take your furry friend with you on your next holiday destination.

Please note, we will operate according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on the following days:

  • 🎄 Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve Day
  • ❄️ Monday, December 25, Christmas Day
  • 🎉 Sunday, December 31, New Year’s Eve Day
  • 🍾 Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

We wish you all a joyous holiday and Happy New Year!


RumChata Holiday Drink Special

Onboard Drink Special

This holiday season, get in the spirit with a RumChata Peppermint Bark! Starting December through January 2024, enjoy this cozy drink for $5 from the Café Car. 🍬 🥃

This special is while supplies last. Please drink responsibly.


Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide

Thinking of those perfect gifts for your loved ones this season? Whether it’s for the rail enthusiast, museumgoer, or anyone else in your life, we’ve curated a fun list of gift ideas and local shops you can find along our corridor.

Check out our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide here.


EMY-SFC Fare Increase

Emeryville – San Francisco Fare Increase

Effective January 1, 2024, there will be a fare increase for Capitol Corridor’s Emeryville (EMY) – San Francisco (SFC) connecting bus service for multi-ride tickets which include 10-ride tickets and monthly ride tickets. Single tickets (one-way and roundtrip) will not be affected.

Multiple factors informed the decision to implement this fare increase, including the rise of labor and fuel costs.

We strive to keep our bus connection fares competitive with other services that cross the bay, such as BART and AC Transit. We are also actively seeking ways to improve the SF connecting bus service.

We appreciate your understanding.


12/10 49er Game

Take the Train to the Game!

Take the train to the San Francisco 49ers game this Sunday, December 10.  Avoid the traffic and parking hassles and enjoy a snack on the onboard Café Car.

You can find more info here: 49ers Service – Capitol Corridor.


One Ticket One Seat

“One Ticket One Seat” Policy

As our ridership grows again post-pandemic, some of our popular trains have become more crowded. We’d like to reminder our riders of our “One Ticket, One Seat” policy. This means that the ticket you purchase entitles you to use only one seat; you may not use additional seats to store your personal belongings or as added leg room. By adhering to this policy, you are helping to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and safe ride on Capitol Corridor.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation!