Caltrans and Amtrak California today launched a new northbound Pacific Surfliner express train service between San Diego and Los Angeles that will cut the travel time for the trip by 15 – 20 minutes.
“In an effort to be more responsive to passengers traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles, the new weekday express service will provide a faster trip for business travelers riding the Pacific Surfliner,” said Martin Tuttle, Caltrans Deputy Director for Planning and Modal Programs.
Starting today, the express Pacific Surfliner train (#563) leaving San Diego at 7:05 a.m. will stop at Solana Beach, Oceanside, Irvine, and Anaheim. Bypassed stops include San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Orange, and Fullerton. Two Surfliner trains, one departing San Diego at 6:10 a.m. and another leaving at 8:10 a.m., will continue to stop at all stations.
Caltrans’ intercity passenger rail program is the nation’s largest and most successful with three of the six busiest routes in America. Caltrans contributes $90 million annually to support California’s intercity passenger rail corridors. Ridership surpassed five million in fiscal year 2009-10, and with 2.6 million passengers, the Pacific Surfliner was the leader. Moreover, Surfliner passengers saved eight million gallons of fuel last year by taking the train instead of driving.
As a UK tourist I took this service LA – SD – LA in December, and it was fantastic. Lots of legroom in economy seating, convenient downtown stations, no long transfers to LAX, punctual, and a great view of surfers riding waves in the Pacific! It should be publicised more for overseas tourists I think.