California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Plandescribed in Chapter IV. Additionally, the Department monitors Amtrak billingsfor accuracy.Another potential avenue for reducing costs and increasing service quality is thecompetitive bidding of either the entire intercity rail service function or of specificancillary services. The Department has examined these options in the past andwill continue to study the feasibility of competitively bidding rail services. This isa timely issue as there has been strong interest from the Federal administration andmany in Congress to introduce competition to Amtrak. Amtrak’s own strategicreform initiatives concerning competition are discussed in the “Amtrak PlanningSection” of Chapter XI.PASSENGER AMENITIESOn Board AmenitiesA hallmark of intercity rail service includes enhanced passenger amenities.All trains on each of the three State routes include a food service car that providestable seating, snacks, drinks, beer and wine. Passengers can also take food andbeverages back to their own seat. The San Joaquin Route also provides a fullmeal on a tray, including vegetarian items. Food service is evaluated and adjustedon an ongoing basis to improve quality, variety and cost effectiveness.Seating reservations are made at the time of ticket purchase on the San Joaquins.Reserved seating on the Pacific Surfliners is available with Business ClassService, which includes large reclining seats, extra legroom, and at-seat service offood, beverages, and a newspaper. The Capitol Corridor provides one “quiet car”per train for passengers who want to sleep or relax. The CCJPA is also exploringthe development of a Business/Custom Class Car with the objective of providingadditional services and amenities not found in other Coach Cars. Checkedbaggage is available on the San Joaquins at all staffed stations and on thePacific Surfliners at most staffed stations.The fleet of California Cars (San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor) and SurflinerCars (Pacific Surfliner) were designed to provide superior passenger amenitiesincluding on board bicycle facilities, and complete accessibility consisting of onboardwheelchair lifts, two designated spaces per train car for passengers inwheelchairs, and one wheelchair-accessible lavatory on the lower level of eachtrain car. Current upgrades underway for the California Car provide 110-voltconvenience outlets at every seat. In the longer term, the Department is in theprocess of developing specifications for new rail cars that will increase on-boardamenities as well as operational efficiency.The Department is also exploring new technologies to improve on-board amenities(see the Section below titled “Emerging Technologies”).50