California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter III – Operations Program
On the San Joaquins, seating reservations are made at the time of ticket purchase.
The Pacific Surfliners offer Business Class Service, which includes deluxe
reserved coach service with large reclining seats and extra legroom. At seat
service includes food, beverages, and a newspaper. The Capitol Corridor offers a
“quiet car” per train to be reserved for passengers wanting to sleep or relax.
The CCJPA is also exploring a Business/Custom Class car. Checked baggage is
available on the San Joaquins at all staffed stations and on the Pacific Surfliners at
most staffed stations.
Passenger amenities are also determined by rolling stock design. The Northern
California car fleet of California Cars and the Surfliner cars on the
Pacific Surfliner Route were designed with superior passenger amenities including
on board bicycle facilities, and full handicapped accessibility. Current upgrades
on the California Car fleet include 110-volt convenience outlets at every seat and
replacement of the outdated destination sign system with new destination signs
and an automated passenger information system. Also, the Department
is exploring the feasibility of providing on board internet access. The CCJPA has
initiated a Wi-Fi wireless internet access pilot program. In the longer term, the
Department is working with Amtrak to design “next-generation” equipment that
will increase on board amenities as well as operational efficiency.
Station Passenger Amenities
Passenger amenities at stations are also very important. The ten-year capital
program has a number of station improvement and parking projects and some key
new station projects such as Stockton on the San Joaquins. Over the years, most
stations have been rebuilt or significantly upgraded, thus the current focus is now
on upgrades, not new stations. Near-term projects involve next-generation ticket
machines on the Pacific Surfliners to allow cross ticketing between Amtrak and
Metrolink. Also, the Department is supportive of mixed-use development at or
near stations that can improve access to food, entertainment and transportation
services.
Passenger Information
Passenger information serves both a marketing and operational function.
The Department is continually looking for new ways to inform customers and
potential customers about: rail service; transit, air and auto connections to trains
and connecting buses; and locations served by trains and connecting buses.
Passenger information devices include printed materials; signage and displays at
stations, bus stops and on streets and highways; an Internet web site; and
telephone information. In the last few years, additional emphasis has been placed
on providing information on the “total trip” including extensive information on
destinations.
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