California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter V – The California Passenger Rail Network
OTHER PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES
Other railroads in California offer limited rail passenger service, which is
generally tourist oriented. These non-Amtrak intercity rail passenger services
remain subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the CPUC, FRA, and the Surface
Transportation Board (STB).
The Sierra Railroad (formally the California Western Railroad) between
Fort Bragg and Willits in Mendocino County has been the principal privately
owned railroad in California offering regularly scheduled rail passenger service.
Sierra Railroad acquired the line and opened it in May 2004 for passenger
excursion service. Excursion related passenger traffic on the 40-mile route is the
primary business. The Sierra Railroad has begun an ongoing acquisition and
rehabilitation program for stations, track and rolling stock. The contact phone
number for the “Skunk Train” is 1-800-866-1690.
Other railroads offer rail passenger tourist service generally only during summer
and holiday periods. For additional information on rail passenger tourist service,
call California Tourism at 1-800-862-2543 or access their website at
www.visitcalifornia.com.
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