California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter VI – Pacific Surfliner RouteAdditionally, the Department will work with the UP, BNSF, Metrolink, andAmtrak to identify and implement measures to enhance schedule reliability.STREAMLINED OPERATIONS AND PASSENGER AMENITIESThe Department is working to streamline operations and improve passengeramenities. Due to emerging technology related to wireless networking,possibilities exist that previously would have been costly or not available.Improvements that are dependant upon a comprehensive wireless system arediscussed below as longer-term improvements. However, other plannedimprovements are feasible in the near term that either are not related to newtechnology or can be implemented with technology that is currently available anddoes not involve development of a comprehensive wireless system. Theseimprovements are discussed below as near-term improvements.Near-Term ImprovementsPassenger On-Board Wireless Internet Service – Wireless internet service isbecoming commonplace. The Capitol Corridor offered internet service inselected cars on a pilot basis, but did not continue the service because usagedropped off significantly when a fee was charged for the service. Also as a resultof the pilot, the CCJPA learned that the most effective system would have bothpassenger and train operating applications. The CCJPA is now working toimplement this system. The Department would like to add passenger on-boardwireless internet capabilities to the equipment assigned to the Pacific Surfliners.However, this may not be possible unless the wireless system is linked to a morecomprehensive system-wide network involving operational applications. (Seebelow for more information.)Automated Ticket Validation – Automated ticket validation is a wirelessapplication that can be implemented in advance of a full wireless network.It would improve customer service, operations, and safety. Rail passengers havebeen able to make reservations and purchase tickets over the internet for sometime, but the tickets purchased are traditional paper tickets and must be mailed tothe purchaser or picked up at an Amtrak ticket office prior to departure. Airlineswent one step farther and introduced “paperless” ticketing several years ago.A similar system for train travel would be much more convenient for passengers,particularly those boarding at small un-staffed stations along the route, because itwould eliminate the need to obtain actual paper tickets prior to traveling orpurchasing them on board.The system would also have many operational advantages. It would produce areal-time record of all passengers on-board. This is a safety and security featuresimilar to that currently required of the passenger airline industry. This systemwould allow actual trip origin-destination information, instead on the currentestimates (particularly for 10-ride and monthly tickets), to better inform93