The Californer - LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Awarded Million to Increase Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® Train Service

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ORANGE, Calif. , Jan. 13, 2025 ~ The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency has received a grant of $27 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to increase train frequencies between Los Angeles and San Diego. This grant, awarded through the FRA Restoration and Enhancement Grant Program, will fund the operation of three additional roundtrips between the two cities, bringing the total number of daily Pacific Surfliner roundtrips to 13. This will fully restore service levels that existed on the corridor before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to LOSSAN Agency Vice Chair and City of Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung, this grant will have a significant impact on local communities by improving transportation options for residents, students, and visitors along the corridor. The 351-mile LOSSAN Rail Corridor runs through six counties in Southern California and is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States. It is also the busiest state-supported Amtrak route.

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In 2024, ridership on the Pacific Surfliner increased by 20%, serving over 2 million passengers. However, due to reduced service during the pandemic, there has been a 16% decrease in service compared to 2019. The R&E Grant funding will support operational costs for up to six years to restore service levels.

Senator Alex Padilla expressed his support for this federal funding, stating that it will provide more efficient, reliable, and sustainable transportation options for all users along the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. The restoration of these roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego will help fill gaps in the current schedule and move towards more consistent hourly train service. The 11th and 12th roundtrips are expected to be implemented in March 2025, with the 13th coming in November 2025.

Congressman Mike Levin also praised this funding as it will help return service levels to pre-pandemic levels and provide more travel options with less crowding. He emphasized the importance of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner in connecting millions of people across the region and supporting local businesses and recreational activities.

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While the R&E Grant specifically funds the restoration of roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego, it also supports enhancements for rail service between San Diego and Santa Barbara, as well as San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Additional roundtrips are planned for these segments in 2026 and beyond, pending equipment availability and future state funding allocations.

According to Jung, these service restorations and enhancements will provide more consistent and reliable train service throughout the entire coastal corridor. This increase in frequency will help meet the growing demand for intercity passenger rail travel in the region and alleviate current overcrowding issues by offering more frequent and reliable rail options.

The restoration and enhancement of Pacific Surfliner service is crucial for meeting Southern California's current and future transportation needs. It also supports efforts to improve air quality, meet state and local mobility goals, and provide better access to employment, education, and recreational opportunities throughout Southern California.

Travelers can book a trip or learn more about the Pacific Surfliner at pacificsurfliner.com. With this grant funding, residents can look forward to improved train service along this vital corridor.

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