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Potential for new night train between Northern & Southern California
Author: Dragoman
Date: 02-25-2018 - 19:55
I know the prospects are slim-to-nearly none, and there would be substantial hurdles, but …
Which overnight service do you think would have the greatest potential for success, and why?
A) Los Angeles – San Jose – Oakland – Sacramento (like Amtrak’s state-supported Spirit of California, 1981-1983); or
B) Los Angeles – San Jose – San Francisco (like Southern Pacific’s Lark).
(I am not even considering a Central Valley routing (like SP’s Owl or West Coast, because I assume getting UP to agree to a regular passenger schedule across Tehachapi is beyond fantasy!)
I see several possible considerations:
-- For A), the positives would include a connection to the California Zephyr, and picking up the substantial population bases in the Oakland/East Bay & Sacramento areas. Also, the entire route is already used by Amtrak, so there is no need for new station facilities.
Negatives: To get to Sacramento at a time that is near the beginning of the work day, requires hitting San Jose very early, possibility limiting its popularity to such an important population center.
-- For B), the positives would include direct one-seat (or bed) service to San Francisco and the Peninsula, major business and tourist destinations.
Negatives: The Peninsula route is used (extensively) by Caltrain, but there are no Amtrak accommodations in SF/Peninsula.
So, what do you think? Thanks in advance for any comments.
Which overnight service do you think would have the greatest potential for success, and why?
A) Los Angeles – San Jose – Oakland – Sacramento (like Amtrak’s state-supported Spirit of California, 1981-1983); or
B) Los Angeles – San Jose – San Francisco (like Southern Pacific’s Lark).
(I am not even considering a Central Valley routing (like SP’s Owl or West Coast, because I assume getting UP to agree to a regular passenger schedule across Tehachapi is beyond fantasy!)
I see several possible considerations:
-- For A), the positives would include a connection to the California Zephyr, and picking up the substantial population bases in the Oakland/East Bay & Sacramento areas. Also, the entire route is already used by Amtrak, so there is no need for new station facilities.
Negatives: To get to Sacramento at a time that is near the beginning of the work day, requires hitting San Jose very early, possibility limiting its popularity to such an important population center.
-- For B), the positives would include direct one-seat (or bed) service to San Francisco and the Peninsula, major business and tourist destinations.
Negatives: The Peninsula route is used (extensively) by Caltrain, but there are no Amtrak accommodations in SF/Peninsula.
So, what do you think? Thanks in advance for any comments.
Potential for new night train between Northern & Southern California