Pacific Surfliner Trains-Standing Room Only Conditions Effective Through September 30

[espeefoamer]

No, I just tried it again with a variety of end-points - including the most obvious, LAX-SAN - for September 15 and all the Amtrak web site shows are buses.  The pdf timetable shows trains, but the web site reservation function only gives the bus options.  I wonder why.  (Maybe there is a Southern Pacific ghost in the machine - remember how their ticket agents used to try to divert would-be customers to take the bus instead of train?)

 

The line south of Fullerton is closed Sept.15-16 due to Metrolink cutting in a second track between Anaheim and Santa Ana.

[Anonymous]

I've never taken a train before and I was planning on taking the Pacific Surfliner on 9/28. I was wondering if anyone's had any experience with Burbank to San Diego Route (768).

I was hoping to take this train on a Friday morning (859am) and was wondering if anyone knew whether or not there would be seats available or if it gets so overcrowded I should get a reserved ticket?

 If anyone has any experience or advice, I would appreciate it. I don't want to end up standing for 3.5 hours.

 

Thanks again.

[DavidBragdon]

No, I just tried it again with a variety of end-points - including the most obvious, LAX-SAN - for September 15 and all the Amtrak web site shows are buses.  The pdf timetable shows trains, but the web site reservation function only gives the bus options.  I wonder why.  (Maybe there is a Southern Pacific ghost in the machine - remember how their ticket agents used to try to divert would-be customers to take the bus instead of train?)

 

[MP57313]

I am planning a trip in mid-September (on a Saturday) and just tried to make reservations through the Amtrak web site for a Burbank to San Juan Capistrano trip. 

That's strange; I don't think unreserved seating is booked that far in advance. Hopefully you are choosing 'Burbank Airport' and not 'Burbank'?  I know Northbound #799 stops at Burbank (just like a Metrolink train), at least it did when I rode recently, but most others do not.

[DavidBragdon]

I am planning a trip in mid-September (on a Saturday) and just tried to make reservations through the Amtrak web site for a Burbank to San Juan Capistrano trip.  The timetable (pdf) indicates there are several through trains daily, but the web site only offers me various train/bus connections via LAUPT rather than train all the way through.  Is the schedule changing between now and mid-September or is it possible these trains are really sold out so far in advance?

 

[oltmannd]

I read somewhere that they're using Metrolink equipment to run racetrack extras this year since the Horizon fleet did head north to replace Talgos.  A good move since much of that Metolink equipment isn't going anywhere on weekends...

[chad thomas]

I believe they do run an extra set of equiptment during the race season at Del Mar, usually horizon cars I think. Mabee they couldn't spare the equiptment this year because of the Talgo problems up north.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

If Amtrak is in the same situation as a lot of commuter operating agencies, the spare equipment is minimal at best beyond the amount required to cover cars out of service for maintenance or repair.

[MP57313]

A year or so ago, I rode the Surfliner from Fullerton to San Diego and return on a Saturday.  Business Class was sold out, and coach was PACKED by the time we got to Santa Ana.  I gave up my seat and rode downstairs in a coach, holding on to a grab bar near the doors. The train was filled with people heading to the horse races at Del Mar, and to a lesser extent, the Comic Book Convention in San Diego.  (I was just a railfan out for the ride).  All went ok for us on board - good train handling, no emergency stops, etc.  Definitely disappointing for those who rode along, standing all the way, not near a window.

But there were a LOT of EVEN MORE DISAPPOINTED people on the platforms who could not get on the train, and had to wait 90 minutes for the next southbound.  Some may have given up and elected to drive on the parallel (and sometimes very crowded) I-5.

Amtrak needs to be able to add a car or two for peak load trains (Del Mar race season, late Friday and late Sunday trains, etc.).  They know the pattern by now; put those extra cars to work! 

 

[Andrew Falconer]

This is another sign that AMTRAK is popular with the people, but underfunded by the lawmakers. They are running out of equipment. This is AMTRAK not AMBUS.

Andrew

[josephr33]

If demand is really that high for the surfliner trains it seems like they should raise the prices a bit on at least the most popular runs.  I'm sure the state of California wouldn't mind having to lower the subsidy a bit--as it is I think they only pay about 50% of their operating cost.

[081552]

I was on train #768 from Santa Barbara this morning and saw the following notice:

 

Through the end of summer, passengers aboard Pacific Surfliner trians may experience standing room only conditions due to increased demand for service.

Please check with an Amtrak ticket agent to book a train that may be less crowed. Passengers may also consider booking a Business Class ticket to ensure a seat onboard the train.

 We apprciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

I ride this train about 10-12 times per year and business class may not be a good alternative during the summer. When the car is full you still get free snacks but you also get a bunch of kids running around the car. Yikes!

 

Friday, August 17th Update

 I rode train 775 from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara Friday afternoon and the train was full. The regular five car Pacific Surfliner train was augmented with one Superliner coach car. Business class was sold out and I sat in the cafe car for the trip. I guess too many passengers is a good problem to have!