Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

[@hsocb-ji3zr]

My wife and I went to visit relatives over Christmas. We flew into San Diego, and we were going to rent a car at the airport for the drive to San Juan Capistrano. Renting a car at the airport, after a long flight, is no fun - shuttle bus, probably standing in line, getting out of the airport and driving up the Interstate, etc. But I an idea: what if we took the Surfliner, and rented the car in San Juan Capistrano instead? It turned out to be a genius move! Getting from the airport to the station, then getting on the train, was very easy. At the station, there were no long waits, no security lines, no problems with baggage, etc. And even though we had regular coach seats, the train was still WAY more comfortable and enjoyable than the airplane. We could walk around, use the restroom, get a snack, etc. And the scenery was good - the train goes right along the beach in some stretches. Since we are "seniors", the round-trip fare for the two of us was $88. Here's the best part: When we got to SJ Capistrano, renting a car there was less hassle and MUCH less expensive (by about $300!) than it would have been at the airport. The return trip was equally as easy and delightful.

[@Thom-TRA]

What a great idea! So happy it made your experience better

[@dangelohartley5977]

If only these cars were in the Midwest, that'll be a complete game changer

[@Thom-TRA]

They’re very nice for sure, even if they’re getting a little old

[@gdrriley420]

Similar cars were going to be if the manufacturer hadn’t screwed up the design resulting in Siemens building the ventures

[@seminnesotatrainsairplanes839]

I know right?

[@gdrriley420]

@@PDXLibertarian parts of LOSSAN are publicly owned. Los Angles Union to Moorpark and Fullerton to San Diego. Fullerton to Los Angles is BNSF while North of Moorpark is UP

[@expletivedeleted7853]

That’s what happens when they let scumbags like Nippon Sharyo lowball the bid with zero profit margin.

[@dianethulin1700]

I feel that I have watched many of your videos so hard to believe I missed this one. Probably interested in other things when you posted. My mother is from Ojai and I grew up in Ventura County on and off and have a lot of family there. That means that I usually take the train to family functions along the coast since it's better than flying and then driving to the final destination. I also used to live in Ventura for a couple of years and have taken either Metrolink or the Pacific Surfliner more than any other line. I also used to take the inner county bus to my job in Carpinteria. Just stunning to watch the porpoises and surfers in the water at dawn or sun setting on the ocean on the way home from work Some observations; *I was on the Coast Starlight once when it was five hours late! Since I needed to go to Ventura and it stopped in Oxnard I had trouble getting home in the wee hours. Should have disembarked in Santa Barbara instead. It can be both convenient and inconvenient when you rely on the train while living in smaller towns *When in Glendale consider going to the Los Angeles Zoo or book a tour at Burbank Studios. Maybe watch a show be taped? *Rocky Peak Park is so cool! That's where I used to go rock climbing. They filmed a lot of westerns in that area as well as the Santa Susana Pass. Hope Ranch, as in Bob Hope is at the other end in Simi Valley, where my brother lives. Closer to the Chatsworth end is where Spahn Ranch is. That is where the Manson Family was living. Lots of rattlesnakes in those hills! We used to find arrowheads a lot as kids, as well as catch lizards *I used to take the train often with my young son into Union Station to visit a friend. He loved all of the industrial things near the tracks! Dump trucks, miles of service trucks, strip clubs by the tracks. I think it's interesting too, the underbelly of the city *I saw you go by the Ventura County Fairgrounds, the best fairgrounds in the whole wide world! Imagine going to the fair and riding a ferris wheel with views down the coast of waves crashing? They are always holding some event there *Santa Barbara is a HUGE train town! It's a gathering spot where hobos who ride the rails meet up. You can get your mail sent to the Fig Tree in Santa Barbara and pick it up months later. My grandfather caught an empty boxcar to SB from Oklahoma during the depression himself. That is how my family ended up in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Over by the ocean was the wrong side of the tracks when I was growing up and an young adult. There was industry over there as well as dive bars and single room occupancy hotels. Now it's exclusive clubs and resorts for movie stars to get married. If you ever go back to Santa Barbara it's nice to walk over on State Street. I love SB City Hall and the Mission is historic. If you stay the original Motel 6 is in Santa Barbara Thanks so much for posting! Beautiful and made me homesick!

[@22817hm]

Nice to see my hometown and my favorite route make it into one of your videos. I take Metrolink to commute into L.A during the week and the Sufliner up to Santa Barbra for fun on the weekends. It is a very nice route to live along and have great access to.

[@bryant3825]

The Pacific Surfliner is one of my favorite Amtrak routes and a beautiful intercity regional route. I had the experience of riding it from Los Angeles to San Diego and back a couple years ago and more recently from Oceanside to Los Angeles around two years ago. And I have to say the ocean views are gorgeous. And like some people have said there is alot more upgrades going on with the Pacific Surfliner and associated Railroads as well. I was impressed that the trains can go up to 90 MPH on some stretches I hope they reach 110 MPH soon. Glad to hear you experienced the railway line, I highly suggest people if they don't want to drive and if its possible try the Surfliner at least once. Also California is investing heavily with Rail, High Speed Rail is coming though there are people that are negative about that, I for one am positive about it because things need to change. Also Brightline West will be under construction soon which is exciting since they will be using Electric Trains with 25KV Overhead wires from the get go. (Usually thats when the Railway line gets enough traffic to warrant a modernization I.e. Caltrain with their electrification project). But yeah alot of changes to California rail network is coming, and about time too.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

When the coastal erosion is fixed, for now,you could try to do the Los Angeles to San Diego section using only local trains one is called Coaster and the other's name I can't remember, maybe Metro Link ?You have to change somewhere in the middle as those local trains don't go right through.

[@Thom-TRA]

Coaster and Metrolink! You transfer at Oceanside.

[@Geotpf]

@@Thom-TRA The name he is looking for is Sprinter, which is a service from Oceanside to northern San Diego County similar to San Bernardino's ARROW.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@Geotpf the Sprinter goes to Escondido. He is talking about going from San Diego to LA using only commuter rail.

[@Lucrativecris]

I believe the Surfline’s has a station in pismo beach

[@SoCalHighIron]

As someone lucky enough to ride the Pacific Surfliner fairly frequently, I highly encourage you (and everyone else) to ride 777 all the way to San Luis Obispo. Wait at least until Daylight Saving time is in effect for more optimal viewing along the route. From mid-March to early May while there's still plenty of spring greenery on the hillsides is amazing. In my opinion, the journey between Santa Barbara and Grover Beach is even more beautiful that what you were able to see on this trip through Ventura County. I hope you get the chance to return soon and take it for another ride!

[@dexteralexander2437]

While all your work holds my interest, your trip reports are my favorites. They show me trains I’ve not ridden and different views of trains I have. Keep up the great work. Best Easter wishes to you and Lindsey.

[@Thom-TRA]

Happy Easter to you and your family as well! I’ll be going on an Amtrak rail pass trip soon so there will be a lot more trip reports!

[@martinusher1]

If its sea views you're after then the stretch north from Santa Barbara towards San Luis Obispo is nothing but coast until you get to Point Conception.

[@Thom-TRA]

Hard to see those when it’s dark though

[@SupremeLeader-Kim-Jong-Un]

2:54 the cabcar that just passed is named point mugu # 6907 and its one of my favorites! amazing catch!

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad I saw your favorite!

[@JOSEPHHUTCHESON-j3k]

Enjoyed this video especially the ocean sunset . I used to live by the Beach in CA and miss it very much. I could almost smell the salt spray while watching . Thanks . And Well Done.

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s so beautiful there

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Another informative and well made video mate ❤

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks! Look like a trip you’d do?

[@JohnWSmartNow]

Glendale station is also seen in many many movies

[@Thom-TRA]

Like which ones?

[@Michael-lk4oh]

Even more spectacular views north of Santa Barbara to San Louis Obispo including Vandenberg Air Force Base where your train may be held while Space X launches a rocket.

[@CarlYoungreen]

Be sure to travel in the summer when the the sets later and you'll really love the ride north of Santa Barbara.

[@roxxma]

The ocean views remind me of the Downeaster or NEC in Rhode Island and Connecticut, but with a couple more palm trees and mountains! I'd be interested in seeing the Antelope Valley line, it looks interesting. I've paralleled it several times while going between LA and Death Valley, but have yet to ride it (I live in Boston, but one of my closest friends lives in LA, so maybe next time I visit him).

[@Thom-TRA]

I love visiting Boston! I have yet to ride that part of the NEC though

[@Chronograph71]

Loved your report! Thanks! The speed of that train was unbelievably ridiculously slow!!! :)

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad you enjoyed! And yes it was very slow. Not that I cared when we were by the ocean.

[@Chronograph71]

@@Thom-TRA true. It looked like a sightseeing train in your case. :-))) I come from a country with much greater emphasis on rail than the US. If our freight trains had priority over passenger traffic the rail system would stop making any sense. I once sat in a train for over 20 minutes, because we were ahead of schedule but were expected to arrive on time. :-)))

[@Thom-TRA]

@@Chronograph71 I’m from a European country as well. When I moved to the US, I just had to accept that trains were going to be a very different experience here.

[@Chronograph71]

@@Thom-TRA it is ironic that Amtrak looks like an almost luxurious experience in Under Siege (1992). Oh, that Hollywood!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Chronograph71]

@@Thom-TRA I live in a city with 2 railway museums, 1 tram museum, a bunch of steam locos displayed as monuments, and two little railway lines operated almost exclusively by teenagers in the summer, outside of school time... :-)))

[@TenMinuteTrips]

Hey Thom! You’re going to have to come back again! During the day. Beyond Santa Barbara, the tracks run parallel to US-101, right along the coastline up to Gaviota Pass where the highway turns inland. The train continues along the coastline on property belonging to Vandenberg AFB and passes Point Conception, areas mostly not accessible to the public. This is the stretch that most “Coast Starlight” passengers rave about! By the way, I joined your Patreon this morning. Please keep cranking these tours out.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you for joining! And yes, I’m dying to get back and experience the whole thing!

[@davidburgess3882]

the stretch between Santa Barbara and San Luis is the most beautiful on the route.

[@user-nc5gt5ut2d]

Nice. I need to see those unique cars. I hear new cars are coming and they won't be bi level anymore. Hope that is not true. Otherwise hopefully I can get there to ride soon. My buddy and I were able to see as far as LA because we were lucky enough to be able to take the Pacific Surfliner down from Portland. Thom you never go anywhere in sleeper class. Save up your Amtrak points for awhile like we did and go. It's worth the wait for the time it takes to save!

[@halakahiki2]

The new cars are, indeed, single level Siemens Venture cars. Currently, these are being sent to the northern California fleet (San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor), and their bilevels are being sent to the southern California fleet. I don't know what the current plans are, but I doubt that there are enough bilevel cars owned by the state to replace all of the currently leased Amtrak equipment and expand service.

[@roberthansen2008]

I like to watch your train videos. They're really nice to watch and I'm very much informed about things that you do.

[@Thom-TRA]

I like making these so I’m glad you enjoy watching!

[@Prodigious1One]

So serene.

[@ricardorengifo7107]

Thank you for your amazing video. My wife and I learn enough to want to take the train ride. We love the way you show us the train, so casual and so clear. Please continue making awesome videos like this. 😊

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you so much! Comments like this make me want to keep doing this! Let me know if you take any train adventures together!

[@hobog]

23:32 those crossing gates were super slow

[@eymannreport4177]

both cars were made around the same time, 646X are normally assigned to the capitol corridor/san joaquin

[@Thom-TRA]

They’re still newer, part of a follow up order

[@railfanryan]

This was uploaded on my birthday. Nice scenery there

[@delibakerytravel]

Just Beautiful, So Many Happy Memories, Thank You.🌴

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome! It is beautiful

[@combusean]

Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO/Morro Bay are three of my favorite cities in SoCal. Hopefully next time you get a chance to actually visit!

[@Thom-TRA]

I have some friends from those places and they want to show me around!

[@CrabMan2539]

I've never ridden a surfliner (Never even been to the west) but I just noticed that the surfliner cars have the same PA alert tone as the acela. Edit: I also just noticed that the seats in the classic surfliners are the same as the original seats in the acela. Interesting that they share that stuff but IG it makes sense b/c I think both were released in 2000 (I know so for the acela, but correct me if I'm wrong for the surfliner)

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re right, same era!

[@amtrakfan2342]

I got the Surfliner and coast starlight in my area.

[@superiorjr154]

19:48 I remember these old bathrooms. They were good for the time it might still be better for the super liners. I tend to like the vestibules of the venture coaches instead.

[@robrepass2179]

This car you took going north is a car that runs on the San Joaquin and Capital Corridor

[@pauljansson2691]

They leased out 3 of them to the surfliners as they are in an equipment crunch right now. 6462,6463,6465 are on the surfliners right now 6464 and 6461 are on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin’s.

[@Thom-TRA]

They are part of a surfliner order by Caltrans that was made in 1999. These have the California livery and are used on all 3 routes.

[@halakahiki2]

@@pauljansson2691 These cars aren't being leased. All of the cars in the northern fleet belong to the state, and they can decide where they go. There's an equipment crunch in both the north and the south, but it's easier for the Surfliner to add individual bilevel cars to its existing trainsets, and the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins to use entirely single-level consists. Since most of the Surfliner cars belong to Amtrak, those cannot be moved.

[@Robbi496]

Don't always agree with ALL of your conclusions, but I still love all your videos!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

And that’s okay!

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Thanks Thom! Great trip!

[@Thom-TRA]

I loved this trip

[@joemotes]

Thom, very enjoyable, and great memories, I took this train a few years ago, thanks.

[@Thom-TRA]

I hope your trip was as pleasant as mine

[@flenomusic]

Hi Thom, I watched many videos from TRAINS ARE AWESOME and I would like to let you know, that I really love your attitude toward trains ꒰ and travel in general. I appreciate ꒰ your sense of humour over and over again. It's also great that your girlfriend accompanies you from time to time.🙂 I watch a lot of different KZbin train journeys by people from all over the 🌍 world 🌎 😮☝ but 😉 I think yours are really special, because there are not many good documentaries reporting train journeys from the US on KZbin, or maybe I haven’t discovered them yet. Some others are titled and sometimes hard to follow. Well, America can be really proud of its offspring!🙃 I also admired your Portugal trip ... I am from Germany and there are countless train reports to and fro Europe as well …so, it’s quite good and rare to see some from the US. Thank you for your effort in general and you're being really so passionate about doing this. GREATJOB👌!

[@StevesWanderlust]

Great opening editing. My wife and I will be taking this route on our way back east from SLO next winter.

[@Thom-TRA]

I hope you enjoy your trip!

[@mendopolis]

Really great way to get to SB from the LA area.

[@fj8623]

Surfliner is my train here in Ventura County. Such a convenience to have it. I upgrade to Business Class often. Nice to get complimentary snacks, coffee, wine. Definitely recommend the trip all the way to SLO, right along the bluffs and cliffs around Point Conception. Really cool to see your trip report on something so familiar to my eyes. 😊

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re lucky to live in a beautiful place like that!

[@fj8623]

@@Thom-TRA By the way, congrats on taking time to visit Rocky Peak Park. I sometimes feel like those mountains get overlooked, but I agree with you that they are quite beautiful and special. That area continues to be used for filming locations to this day.

[@scottcary1]

Whenever you head back out here, take the round trip from Glendale and San Luis Obispo. Preferably in the summer when there's more daylight.

[@Thom-TRA]

I would love to!

[@ck4426]

Absolutely loved this video and can certainly see why this is your favorite Amtrak ride. We have family here for Easter and all enjoyed watching this video together. You have some new fans and followers!!! The scenery and information was just incredible!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Say hi to your family! Happy Easter!!!

[@ck4426]

@@Thom-TRA Will do and thank you!!! We all really enjoyed it very much!!!

[@PopcornSimulationGaming]

I’m now addicted to this channel . 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

[@Thom-TRA]

A healthy addiction

[@mikewalker4134]

100% enjoyable experience watching your videos. I am super motivated to ride the train to Santa Barbara from Moorpark ( my home town) . Then ride from Moorpark to union station. I used to hike the hills around Chatsworth Park as a teen in the n1970's . And even sat in the tunnel when a train would pass through the tunnel!!! (stupid kid stuff). I was scared to death the first time I did this stupid act!!! Never told my parents.

[@Thom-TRA]

So glad you enjoyed my videos! And that you’re alive to tell the tale

[@armandosoliz1455]

Oh you have to take it along the coast up to SLO....that is beautiful.

[@Thom-TRA]

No need to convince me, I really want to!

[@lukestrainsandotherstuff]

Great video still my fav train KZbinr 😊😊

[@kendufresne]

Several years ago I took the Surfliner from L.A. to San Diego, it was a nice scenic trip. One of these days, I'd like to travel between L.A. and points north. Thanks for sharing the video! Happy Easter to you and yours!

[@Thom-TRA]

Happy Easter to you as well!

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

I took the Surfliner as far south as Anaheim, back to LA, LA to Santa Barbara (very beautiful city!) then all the way north to San Luis Obispo. There is more surf to see. In April I will take the Coast Starlight LA to Seattle which does much of the same route.

[@zhangchi777]

Pacific sufliner is always my favorite transportaion to la from santa barbara. But last weekend, the end of spring break, people were standing next to each others from LA and there's little room to stand. The conductor said about 400 people left the train at Goleta. That's the creaziest train experience I ever had🤣

[@mxderate]

You should take the full thing from San Diego - San Luis Obispo. Would be very cool!

[@Thom-TRA]

One day

[@RV-Adventures-Travels]

The views you’ll see between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo are great too.

[@Thom-TRA]

Next time I will for sure!

[@kenpalmer1965]

Another great video! I am a huge railfan! I have only ridden Amtrak within the state of California. It was this Pacific Surfliner Route that you took. The only difference is I rode the route from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego back in August of 2000 with a late friend of mine and his family. The only disappointment on that day was there was overcast skies as we got to the beaches all the way from Oceanside into San Diego. The skies pretty much cleared once we got into the San Diego station. It was still a bit overcast on the way back to L.A. Union Station over the beaches. Sometime next year, if all works out, I am planning an out of state Amtrak trip from my hometown of San Bernardino to Chicago via The Southwest Chief train. When I do go, I will be getting a full bedroom sleeper car since it will be at least a 2 or 3 day trip, give and take delays. I have a question for you regarding this route on this video. How long does it normally take to travel by Amtrak from Glendale to San Luis Obispo? Is that an overnight trip to your knowledge? Since I just watched this video, I now want to take this trip. But I need to know if it's an overnighter because if it is, I'll have to look for a place to stay overnight before catching the next train back to Glendale. Thanks again for the cool video!

[@dennisforner6090]

Hi Thom - it is also on my 'bucket list' - hopefully one day I will get to travel on this train to San Diego!. As always a truly comprehensive upload, so thank you for sharing. I just love Amtrak trains - they are all truly awesome. Wishing you & Lindsey (& all your family) a safe & Happy Easter from Sydney Australia.🐰

[@Thom-TRA]

Happy Easter to you too!

[@dennisforner6090]

@@Thom-TRA Hard to believe I'm on the other end of the Pacific Ocean!

[@theconceptualist8626]

You need to ride the whole route between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. One of the US’s most beautiful stretches of track. I should know! I grew up with this train! Fun fact: I got stuck in Santa Barbara station overnight once! It was during a really big storm back in like 2016 or 2017 or something. Those wooden benches may look nice, but they are NOT comfy to sleep on!

[@Thom-TRA]

I can’t wait!

[@BobNWFA]

Fabulous! I used to love taking the Pacific Surfliner when my sister lived in Camarillo. That Asian Noodle salad looked wonderful and you're right, it would be a worthy addition to the menu on other Amtrak trains!

[@Thom-TRA]

It was delicious. Felt very healthy too.

[@alhollywood6486]

I love this route, I took the Coast Starlight from LA to Emeryville the day before I took the Zephyr to Chicago.

[@Thom-TRA]

That sounds like an incredible trip!

[@michaelformaini7053]

What does one do on a wet and cold Easter Sunday in Melbourne, Australia? Catch up with a backlog of KZbin videos of course! Your coverage of the Pacific Surfliner reminds me of my August 1989 trip on the entire West Coast Corridor from San Diego to Seattle. The San Diego to Los Angeles leg back then was in Amfleet single deck cars, but I had a Superliner Roomette north of there on The Coast Starlight. The California Cars were still a thing of the future. You have covered the Glendale to Santa Barbara section extremely well given it was done on a January afternoon/evening. The scenery is just as I remember it, although some things have obviously changed in the 34 years since my experience. I had a chuckle at your assessment of the view at Northridge -- Zap! Wouldn't want to be there if a circuit breaker operated - Kapowww! Yes, the Rocky Peak Park scenery impressed me too - a playground for hikers close to both city and surf. You would definitely have enjoyed your visit; although, even in January on a sunny day, I would have been somewhat cautious around those rocky outcrops. The rattlesnakes would have been out catching some rays from the sun. The coastal views you experienced were superb, given the time of day and month. I experienced late morning views in August, fortunately after the sea fog had lifted for the day. I definitely recommend you try the entire Coast Starlight journey sometime. The climb away from San Luis Obispo inland, the Oregon section around Mount Shasta and the wander through the Cascades, the Willamette Valley and Washington State is well worth the funds. And if you can afford the time and funds, continue from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. and take a journey through the western provinces of Canada. Thanks again for posting and reviving my travel memories. Cheers from Michael.🙂🙂🙂

[@Thom-TRA]

We’ve finally left the wet weather behind us here in Chicago and it’s gonna be a bright and sunny Easter! I’m taking the coast starlight next month! Very excited about it. Thankfully didn’t see any rattlesnakes on my hike. Did see a lot of large birds of prey, including one west!

[@michaelformaini7053]

@@Thom-TRA Looking forward to viewing your coverage of the Coast Starlight trip. Hope you are having a great Easter.

[@theventuracountyrailfan]

There is no feeling like boarding on the north end of the route on a Friday with a 7 car bilevel train and picking up more cars in LA. They announce that all seats are booked and we zoom by crippling LA traffic

[@gdrriley420]

All surfliners, state owned/leased superliners along with some California coach cars will run on the surfliner after venture cars begin to enter service. The states been rolling stock limited for a long time now. It’s nice to have a bit of pressure lifted but this isn’t the 300+ cars the state needs. Flirts while nice are limited if they aren’t under wires

[@gdrriley420]

@@TohaBgood2 ACE is not getting hydrogen flirts. Valley link (the cross altamont pass line) is getting some but even then they could make the right choice and go back to OCS I highly doubt any spare bi levels from Caltrain and coaster will end up on an Amtrak CA train

[@halakahiki2]

@@TohaBgood2 ACE giving up their Bombardier cars wouldn't do any good, because they can only be used for commuter service. They're built to Metrolink standards, but Metrolink doesn't want any more of the cars. They actually sold some of their older Bombardier cars to Caltrain to relieve their rolling stock crunch, but Caltrain won't want them either, since they are switching to all electric rolling stock with the ability for high-level boarding. That just leaves Coaster, which recently voted to shrink its fleet (I think it's planning on selling five cars to UTA, and two engines to the state).

[@danmarkis3785]

This is my backyard. I live in San Luis Obispo...

[@Thom-TRA]

You’ve got a nice backyard!

[@briangasser973]

Impressed you were in CA without the rain. Most of my trips this winter to CA were wet with grey skies.

[@Thom-TRA]

We got rain the first few days of our trip!

[@CameronLandels]

Thank you for the impressive video Thom! I really enjoyed learning more about the Pacific Surfliner. Those ocean views were incredible! I'm glad you had a great trip and I hope to ride it myself one day 🙂

[@Thom-TRA]

I highly recommend this train! And happy Easter!

[@theonlyaustrian8239]

Thats the first time seeing the SC-44 with that aero scoop on-top of the loco. Living in Carbondale i dont think ive ever seen that on the Illini, Saluki or New Orleans(when they run the sc-44). Wonder why the midwest fleet doesn’t do that.

[@Thom-TRA]

Maybe because they were supposed to run with the venture cars? I don’t know

[@frankierailfan4014]

Man, I wish Idaho had commuter trains, I love SC44s

[@briangasser973]

An idea for a summer video would be the Long Island Rail Road's Cannonball Train that runs non stop from Jamaica Station to the Hamptons on Friday and Sunday. I live on LI and could help you with the logistics if you wanted to do a video on it. Thanks for the Surfliner video

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks for the offer! Will be spending time on the east coast this summer so I’ll definitely consider it

[@richardneidich]

Thom, do take the trip further north. In 2023 I went from LA to San Jose. Only issue was a total of 5 hour delay, making late arrival in San Jose. Single tracking is one of the problems. Views are as good as you have already witnessed.

[@Thom-TRA]

I hope to someday. Want to plan it better so I get more daylight.

[@DCYote1]

I've always wondered what the purpose of that lone Superliner car on the Surfliner was about. I think it has something to to with Amtrak's agreement with CalTrans, but not sure. I almost got a ticket for fare evasion by a LA county Sheriff's deputy because he didn't know about the Rail 2 Rail program, which allows you to also ride Metrolink on an Amtrak ticket. (Amtrak didn't stop at the station I needed, but Metrolink does so I rode the Surfliner to LA and backtracked on Metrolink since it was only a couple stops away) Luckily we spoke with the conductor and got that little confusion cleared up. Fun fact, Back when I lived in SoCal, there was one Surfliner train that ran the "North of LA" portion of the route that was an entirely Amfleet consist and it had a "Cabbage" car at one end as opposed to a cab car.

[@Thom-TRA]

I never knew about the Amfleet + Cabbage train! And yeah, the super liner is weird. Especially since the LD routes are so short on cars…

[@halakahiki2]

There are a number of Superliners in the California fleets. Cars in Amtrak colors are wreck repairs on short-term leases. Cars in California colors are on wreck repairs on long-term leases (17-20 years, if I recall correctly). The more California had to pay for the repairs, the longer the lease. As I understand it, the cars on long-term lease would not have been economical for Amtrak to repair otherwise, so they have no impact on what would be available for long distance trains, as they wouldn't be rolling.

[@charlottegayle7118]

Omg i love Pacific Surfliner 😊😊😊

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Really enjoyed your intro, and the rest of the video was great too.

[@SuperDave30]

Awesome video my guy I definitely enjoy it!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@lionelmpc]

Great video! I'll be riding the Surfliner next week between Los Angeles and San Diego (with a bus between Irvine and Oceanside on the southbound trip, but straight through northbound a few days later). Then riding the Starlight home from Los Angeles to Olympia. So I'll ride the whole way. Looking forward to it! Side note, I'm in Chicago currently and randomly walked past you guys on Jackson tonight. Was too slow to say Hi. In the middle of a long trip. Got into Chicago from Portland yesterday on the Builder, and heading west on the Texas Eagle to Los Angeles tomorrow!

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s so cool you saw us! Say hi next time. Enjoy the Surfliner, I’ve always wanted to ride that section.

[@lionelmpc]

@@Thom-TRA definitely will next time I see you guys! Hope you get a chance to ride the south end sometime.

[@matthewyoder93]

Awesome video Thom love your videos

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you so much!

[@stephenkeever6029]

Great graphics on this video!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@paulcastillo1310]

Cool video and I have been on the train before to go to Santa Barbara but it was a long time ago

[@wilsontang8995]

The Pacific Surfliner is probably the only way my wife and I will travel to Santa Barbara. It's clean and comfortable. We usually stay overnight. As for the "weird" pathway mentioned around 24:56, it's a small pathway to the surrounding neighborhood. It's kind of a short cut to the train station. Anyway, I really enjoy your videos.

[@Thom-TRA]

I can’t wait to ride more of the Surfliner. Also that pathway seems a little unsafe, but glad locals don’t need to make any detours to get to the train.

[@paulgracey4697]

When I took a job in Santa Barbara near the end of my aerospace career I had to rent a flat there, I used that route to get to my duplex south of LA to collect the rents from my tenants. So much better than that long drive. Though I loved my time in Santa Barbara, I could not afford to buy there, so I retired in one of those flats I own. Thanks for reminding me of those memorable scenes along the coast. You do have to see the rest.

[@Thom-TRA]

An aerospace career and an apartment in Santa Barbara? You must have some amazing stories!

[@Southern_California_Railfanner]

YES OMG YES! YOU RODE MY LOCAL TRAIN!!! So quick fun fact on this route just south of Santa Ana all the way to San Juan Capistrano, San Onofre to Oceanside, and Oceanside to Encinitas does reach 90MPH and that the OCTA will be closing the bus bridges on the 14th making sure all Pacific Surfliner trains will run normal service down to San Diego on all days instead of just weekends. And that freight train that passed probably was the Guadalupe Hauler/Local to Guadalupe then Santa Maria from Oxnard Yard and it runs on Mondays if I am correct.

[@Thom-TRA]

Excited for the normal service to return! Hope I did your train justice in the review!

[@Southern_California_Railfanner]

@@Thom-TRA Sure did! Hopefully we can see a review from you on the southern part of the line!

[@notcarrotnose258]

9:55 GAH DAMN

[@lindsaymoore7232]

Hi Thom, what a great video! I long one day to take this same trip as you did. I love the Pacific Surliner trains. I truly like the paint scheme as compared to the regular Amtrak trains. Plus they seem more inviting. Ever use a regular camera other than your cell phone camera? Wishing you and Lindsey and your family a happy Easter.

[@Thom-TRA]

Happy Easter! I’m very happy with the quality of my camera so I’m gonna save some money and use this for the time being.

[@StrategicChicken]

Your map at 1:29 is wrong. San Luis Obispo should be where Lompoc is, but you put it near Salinas, a whole 100 miles further north.

[@Thom-TRA]

I never claimed that it was 100% accurate. I make these maps to illustrate, and this is better legible.

[@TrainmasterSP-qk2lo]

If you ever make it out to SoCal again, you have to take the Surfliner to either San Diego or San Luis Obispo! The ride and view to SD is just as amazing as the NB trek, but the ride to SLO is incredible! Btw, I live in Glendale, and it’s my go to local place to railfan! They do get freight trains, but mostly late at night!

[@chastermief3501]

Edit i got my dates wrong I was on that southbound train that you said (got a little delayed) just 4 days after you I was on a surfliner train from san louis obispo to santa ana, and it was a nightmare. we were supposed get there at 1 PM we got there at 8PM. First it started with a tree falling on the tracks and an immediate 2 hour delay. then the storms that were happening at the time knocked out power to the signaling equipment for about a 10 mile stretch restricting us to 15 MPH speeds. then the surf was too high and water was rushing onto the trracks so UP had to come in and make sure we were clear to go over that. I was watching of the crew cab because they running loco in the back so I could see that tracks were just drenched in sea water. you couldnt even see the ties it was just dirt and water. then we were stuck in santa barbra because we had to wait for the coast starlight and the northbound surlfiner so I took the chance to get a pizza delivered to the station. We got to LA union station and it was night at that point, (we were supposed to get to santa ana in at 1 and it was night now) then a car drove onto the tracks so an MOW crew had make sure everything was fine. they conveniently parked the train on a banked curve so the whole train was listing about 12% starboard side. we waited like that for half an hour. so yeah that was fun. I found out about Shwerps ginger ale which they were selling in the Cafe car so that was nice. it was way better than Canada Dry.

[@syrax101]

I need to try out the surfliner… I heard it’s a nice train ride. I hope you do a cross country trip from east to west or vice versa. I love how everyone has an different experience. It’s feels long yet short to do a trip like that lol

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m doing a cross country trip very soon! There are a few already up on my channel too

[@robrepass2179]

I wish those newer Amtrak California cars could be on the Surfliner more often

[@robrepass2179]

@@TohaBgood2 that’s very nice and I hope to ride in one of them next time I ride the Pacific Surfliner because I live in San Diego

[@chowman550]

they are older than the surfliner cars

[@halakahiki2]

@@TohaBgood2 The San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor use equipment from the same pool, and their trainsets are generally interchangeable. No equipment is being "sent" from one route to the other. It's all maintained together in Oakland. The state is sending the bilevels to the southern California pool because the Pacific Surfliner has much higher ridership and needs the greater capacity of those cars.

[@williamhill7312]

Great video

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks!

[@annenelson5656]

I love the Surfliner it’s a great train. Been on it many timers. Solana Beach to Oxnard. Views are amazing. It’s worth it to go business class. Not much more and you get some pretty nice goodies. At least you used to anyway. The canyons just past L.A. are just so beautiful. I’m glad you got to ride it. Sorry about the erosion because the beach views are amazing. People love to wave at the train. Come back when you can so you can see the San Diego beaches.

[@Thom-TRA]

I am for sure coming back someday! And I stayed in the canyons on that trip. Truly breathtaking.

[@CaliforniaRailWatchers]

Cool Rail Video 😎

[@amvin234]

FYI, full service on the southern leg of the line (from LA down to San Diego) is to be restored in the coming week! Would be great to see a trip report on that leg when you get a chance to come out to SoCal again

[@Thom-TRA]

I would love to do that leg. Such great news it’s being restored!

[@District_1073]

I went on this train a 2 months ago and it was a very cool ride but at the end my mom forgot her phone on the train we were going to go on the coast starlight but we had to go on the same train and rush to find the seat we were on and we ended up finding out that a person stole it but he gave it back because we gave him a lot of stuff to his daughter since they had no money he felt bad and gave the phone to us

[@Basinrails]

Love the Pacific Surfliner! Great vid!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you!

[@bicyclemike7144]

I went to CA UNION STATION AMTRAK and ask if my Metro link pass was honored on the Pacific's Surfliner and was told NO! I usually ride Metro link however only take AMTRAK when traveling farther than Oceanside to Ventura. I really want to ride AMTRAK even within those two limits. Can you help me out?

[@newenglandskier13]

I wasn’t aware that MetroLink tickets were valid on the Surfliner. Now that the cross honor agreement with VRE has been suspended, the only other commuter rail that I know of this happening on is CT Rail’s Hartford Line cross honoring with Amtrak’s Hartford Line and Valley Flyer. The Amtrak Hartford Line is also unique because it’s the exact same service as CT Rail’s Hartford Line, just operated by Amtrak with Amtrak rolling stock. The Asian noodle bowl is also a standard item on most of the updated Amtrak cafe menus on the east coast. Two trains that I’ve taken in the past few months, the Ethan Allen Express and the Northeast Regional both had it.

[@Thom-TRA]

I think MARC may have a few NER trains you can ride with a pass? I’m not sure if they still do it. And that’s good to know about the noodles!

[@anthonya-di8dr]

Hi Thom, can you make a video about the Orland Square Mall pace bus station. It is a terrible design that forces the bus to make a 5 point turn.

[@Thom-TRA]

I will investigate

[@reynoldhunter8600]

I have friends in Santa Barbara

[@gparyani]

(Update: I should have waited a day before commenting. The line is being reopened in full next week. Original comment follows) They're almost done with the engineering works. The train is back in full service on weekends only (replacement buses are only required on weekday services).

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s good news!!

[@gparyani]

@@Thom-TRA Update: the very next day after I posted that, they just announced the works are complete and the line is fully reopening with weekday trains beginning next week.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@gparyani yay!! Appreciate the update

[@KermitNationStudios]

Awesome! I love your videos! Especially the Downeaster video! Keep the good work up!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thanks! I’m taking a lot of Amtrak trips this year!

[@history_leisure]

It doesn't look like a Surfliner car's dimensions aren't that different from the Superliner, it just has a nicer interior and more storage

[@Thom-TRA]

They’re based off of the Superliners! Just some improvements to make them more commuter-friendly!

[@nixcails]

When I worked in Tailor Made long haul travel the second most sold North American service train. (As opposed to Rocky Mountaineer, Alaska Railroad and the luxury suites on VIA's the Canadia/en) was the Pacific Surfliner. (The most popular was NE Corridor from New York to Boston.) The Surfliner was a perfect trip for stopover customers breaking the ultra long haul London (LHR) to Auckland (AKL) or connections to Australia via LAX. It's one of only three Amtrak routes I've done the others being Toronto - Niagara Falls/ New York and the aforementioned NYC- BOS. It is a fantastic route. I wish it was more frequent and really think the State of California SHOULD Electrify the route along with Metrolink and Coaster regional rail to deal with the air quality issues around Southern California and make rail travel more accessible. I was always annoyed that Metrolink and Coaster didn't connect at the end of their respective lines unlike New Jersey Transit and the much maligned SEPTA DO. (I realise SEPTA has it's faults but they do try to run a connecting service to Trenton)

[@Thom-TRA]

Metrolink and Coaster do connect now! And I never realized the Surfliner was so popular with people making long international journeys like that. That’s a cool story.

[@nixcails]

Trains by the sea. Like the Riviera Line from Exeter to Paignton in Devon,The Cannes to Ventimiglia service in the French Riviera or the Auckland and Wellington regional and commuter the other side of the Pacific.

[@robinrussell7965]

We are lucky that our daughter lives in Santa Barbara. We also can take the bus to catch the Surfliner in Fullerton. So much better than driving.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m sad I didn’t have more time in Santa Barbara. When I saw pictures of my parents’ recent trip there I saw it was beautiful.

[@robinrussell7965]

​@@Thom-TRA One thing is the train cars are named after California surf towns etc. Last time we got lucky and got Huntington Beach, which is where we live. PS You can walk north in Santa Barbara up State Street, a great street, just like Chicago. Or south to the pier and ocean. You can have a great day trip just walking around.

[@mariovieira838]

That train looks really comfy in the inside. Little known fact, some of those Surfliner cars were built outside of the USA

[@Thom-TRA]

I did not know that some were built outside the US! Do you know where?

[@mariovieira838]

@@Thom-TRA It was not the entire Cars, just the shells. Some were built by Sorefame in Amadora, Portugal. But getting them out of the factory was a nightmare. Despite the site having a Rail link, it could not be used because of the low clearence to Catenary, so the shells would leave by means of a twisted road access

[@gb9727]

When the superliners get old, AMtrak should replace them with Siemens trains

[@history_leisure]

I personally liked seeing the mountains more than the Pacific, but a sun setting over the water is just something special (or at least it hits different than in an inland locale)

[@Thom-TRA]

The mountains were awesome