Cabs definitely are available in Stockton to move between the former Santa Fe (Amtrak/BNSF) Depot and the former Southern Pacific (ACE/UP) Depot. But remember that ACE does not operate on the weekends or holidays. (The last time I made this move, I actually was picked up and transported by an elderly couple at the Santa Fe Depot, and dropped at the SP location.)

I've usually gone to the diamonds and hung close to my car. Often there are other railfans around the area, but unfortunately, fewer since the tower was demolished. During the week, there probably would be very few railfans/photographers.

What people on this site say about this area of Stockton is true. The area south of the SR 4 crosstown freeway toward the fair grounds includes a lot of unsavory people. Most of the area around the diamonds is industrial, although I believe many of the operations have been vacated.

Bottom line: If you want to photograph trains at the crossing, be in a car. Be prepared to get into your car if you observe unsavory people in the area. One day's car rental is a small price to pay for the pleasure and the SAFETY of railfanning this area.