The word is out! Amtrak will detour train 14, The Coast Starlight, over Tehachapi between February 5, 2017 and February 17 due to maintainance work on the Coast route. Only train 14 will detour - Southbound No. 11 will run on the regular route. LA Rail will operate private cars on the detour trains as often as possible beginning with Sunday, February 5th. TIOGA PASS will carry the markers on the rear of train 14 from LA to Oakland, returning the next day on train 11 over the normal route. Experience the most famous train route in the West from the open platform of TIOGA PASS! Reserve your space now - this opportunity only occurs every few years. Round trip aboard private cars, full meal service, and complimentary full beverage service is included with your fare of $650.00. The first four to reserve will sleep aboard TIOGA PASS; others will stay overnight in Oakland at the Waterfront Inn at Jack London Square. The room is included in your fare. If more that 15 passengers reserve for any trip, additional cars such as dome car Silver Splendor, lounge car Overland Trail, or lounge car Acoma will be added to the consist. Call Norm for details - don't miss this rare opportunity. 760 953 9620 Web Page: WWW.LARail.com
I am wondering: what is the routing from Merced to Oakland? I doubt that it will go on up from Merced along the route of the San Joaquin Daylight (via Martinez).
Johnny
Deggesty I am wondering: what is the routing from Merced to Oakland? I doubt that it will go on up from Martinez.
I am wondering: what is the routing from Merced to Oakland? I doubt that it will go on up from Martinez.
Later news: Sources at Amtrak tell us that the early dates on Feb. 5th thru 17th are not confirmed yet. Perhaps later this week we will know for certain. It all depends on UP getting their maintenence crews in position to begin the project near San Luis Obispo.
The detour trains will follow the SP main line thru Merced and Modesto, then to Lathropwhere the train will back across to the former WP main and then use Altamont Pass to Oakland, regaining the regular route at Newark. I expect the trip over Altamont will be in the dark. Rumors persist that there will be other detours later this year which may also involve detouring the Southbound train too. You can be sure LARail will have private cars on these detours too if possible.
Thanks, aronco. Before I read your note, I spent some time talking with Norm, and he told me the same.
Has anybody got an update on this detour? Last check on Amtrak.com shows no schedule changes for stations between LAUPT and Oakland JLS, so just wondering if anybody has a more concrete idea of the revised dates.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.