(June 22, 2021, Stockton, CA) - As ridership continues to grow and communities are opening up more business and leisure activities as pandemic restrictions ease, Gold Runner is increasing its intercity passenger rail and thruway bus services. On June 28, Gold Runner will restore service as follows:
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- Daily service will resume on Train 717, which heads northbound, leaving Bakersfield at 2:12pm, traveling through the Valley and arriving in Oakland at 8:31pm
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- Daily service will resume on Train 714, which heads southbound, leaving Oakland at 11:36am, traveling through the Valley and arriving in Bakersfield at 5:57pm.
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- Bus service will increase on Route 1, which covers Bakersfield to Los Angeles to San Diego, Route 3, which covers Redding to Sacramento to Stockton, and on Route 99 which connects Oakland to Emeryville and San Francisco.
Ridership on Gold Runner fell significantly during the COVID-19 crisis, but held more stable than other Amtrak lines across the country. It is now experiencing a steady increase in ridership week after week.
"We are excited to be welcoming back our riders and helping Californians reconnect to the places and people they want to visit," said David Lipari. "This increase in service will improve connectivity for the summer travel season. We also anticipate making further adjustments to increase service this fall, including potentially restoring at least one direct train connection to Sacramento."
Café service will be resuming on several trains that carry café cars, and on the trainsets without a formal café car passengers will be provided with a free snack box that includes water and locally sourced snack products.
In alignment with guidance from the CDC and state health officials for public transit, face masks will continue to be required on Gold Runner. Additionally, stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols will continue. Disinfection wipe downs are being performed multiple times each day on all high touch surfaces, and hand sanitizer is available for use by passengers. Gold Runner encourages its riders to review the Visit California "Responsible Travel Code" for tips on how to plan thoughtful, safe, and respectful travel.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak's 6th busiest route with 1.1 million annual riders and 18 stations providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Prior to service modifications due to the COVID-19 crisis, Gold Runner ran 7 daily train round-trips and its Thruway buses provided connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. To book your next trip, visit www.AmtrakSanJoaquins.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL
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