Oakland, CA – On June 6, the one-millionth passenger to ride Capitol Corridor within the past 12 months will board a train. The passenger will be identified aboard the train and a special celebration will take place at the passenger’s destination. Prizes will be awarded to the one-millionth rider, including tickets to an upcoming Oakland Raiders game and a getaway trip to San Francisco on the train with accommodations for two nights at the Holiday Inn.
The Capitol Corridor service between Auburn, Sacramento, Oakland/San Francisco and San Jose has operated under the management of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority since October 1998 when annual ridership was 450,000 passengers. Ridership has grown steadily to nearly 1,000,000 passengers per year-making the Capitol Corridor the fourth busiest and fastest growing Amtrak intercity service in the nation.
“Since service was inaugurated by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, the trains have received strong acceptance by travelers in the Corridor,” said Tom Blalock, CCJPA Board Chair and a BART Director. “The trains present an attractive, economical and comfortable alternative to freeway driving.”
Capitol Corridor trains consist of the popular bi-level California Cars. They feature panoramic windows, comfortable seats, some face-to-face with tables with 110-volt outlets (popular with business travelers with laptop computers), overhead storage bins and bicycle storage areas. Facilities for passengers with disabilities meet ADA requirements.
There are 18 daily trains on the Capitol Corridor. For full schedule and fare information, passengers should call Amtrak at 1-877-9-RIDECC or visit www.amtrakcapitols.com.
“The future is bright for rail passenger service in the Amtrak Capitol Corridor, and we expect travelers to continue to be attracted to these convenient and efficient intercity trains,” said Eugene K. Skoropowski, Managing Director of the CCJPA.
