SAN DIEGO – Caltrans and Amtrak California 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 Feb. 15, the express Pacific Surfliner train (No. 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.
