Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Service Expanding

Starting May 4, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will run additional trips between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, CA. The expansion will improve weekday commuter service and regional connectivity between Los Angeles, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.

The roundtrip services—six daily trips to Goleta and three daily trips to San Luis Obispo—offers riders an alternative to driving. The service also provides commuters with the opportunity to work while traveling using the free onboard wi-fi.

Martin Erickson, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission said, “By providing more travel options during busy weekday travel periods, we’re making it easier for residents and workers to move throughout the region.”

The 351-mile rail route serves 29 stations and is the second business state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the United States. The expansion is a collaborative effort of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Ventura County Transportation Commission, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. LOSSAN, which oversees management of the Pacific Surfliner service, is comprised of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies that work to improve passenger rail ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility, and safety.

The expanded service delivers on a voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation in Santa Barbara County.