Message:
RON GRUBER DECLARES THE QUIET CAR DEAD
conductor Ron Gruber has put an end to the quiet car concept on train 538. Bring your cards and cell phones and join the party.
Corporate policy states the quiet car is up to the descretion of the conductor. Let's party!!!!!!!!! Be loud and talk on our cell phones as loud as we want. FREE AT LAST no more mr. nice guy.
Jean Akins (from Martinez to Oakland) - April 24, 2002
Message:
Want to share your thoughts and feelings about Amtrak and/or the Capitol Corridor? I started a forum a few days ago, so if you're interested in posting your message, here's the link: http://www.angelfire.com/tv2/jeanster/trains.html
Click on the blue button at the bottom of that page.
Chris Shipman - April 23, 2002
Message:
I am making plan to ride the train this week. Is Friday still the best day to see all of the "old gang?" Let me know if there is a better day to ride. Will be doing some shopping in San Francisco. New e-mail cshipman1@earthlink.net
reindeerflame - March 21, 2002
Message:
Responding to the 2 prior posts:
The Oakland Coliseum station has been designed and funding is available for construction. An opening date is perhaps 2 years away.
On revised train schedules, on 4/29 the CCJPB is planning to add a 430 or so departure from Oakland to Sacramento (this train will run through from San Jose). The 805pm Oakland to Sacramento departure will be replaced by a Thruway bus until additional state funding for the 10th and 11th frequencies is made available.
Frank - March 16, 2002
Message:
Hello
the news this morning announced the new
rail station at the Coliseum BART stop.
Does anyone know where there is more
information about this? (web sites, etc)
thanks!
frank
Pat Breeding - March 11, 2002
Message:
Has anyone heard of the daily 4:40 PM train out of Martinez (coming from the Bay to Sacto) being rescheduled to be later in the day? Perhaps leaving the bay area ½-45 minutes later, and the late train staying the same. Someone has said that this will change maybe the 28th of March
Pat Breeding - March 11, 2002
Message:
I ride Roseville to Martinez Daily leaving @ 4:40 am from Roseville. I can speak for many who really love the new quite car and really want to have it continue. However when folks get on in Sacramento to ride north its like a hurricane hits the train. Please realize that the quiet car is the quiet car, and if you don't like it feel free to lobby against. But please do not spoil it for everyone while taking the 20-minute ride north. Remember others at that time have been on the train for hours and your behavior is really quite disturbing for those trying to slow down after a long day at work. Naturally others slow down in different ways. Simply be sensitive of each other and ride the non-quiet car if you need to play cards, yell and scream, or negotiate trades for the NBA on your cell phone.
Thank you
Cezanne - January 22, 2002
Message:
If anyone is looking for a website to be designed with serious graphic and design work and are looking to get it done quickly and cheaply, please contact me via e-mail: BCBGgirlCA@aol.com and I will do my best to reply. I have designed websites for companies and I guarantee you will be pleased.
Karen Schauer - December 28, 2001
Message:
Hi everyone!!
Miss all of you!! I have a new schedule so I have not been taking the train since July, and I miss it soooo badly. . did the new schedule earlier schedule, with more train runs out of Sac in afternoon take place?? Please let me know somehow. Thank you and Happy Holidays to all you CC Riders!! Miss the parties!!
Tom Higgins - December 18, 2001
Message:
Hi Everyone-
What additional information, other than it will begin in Summer 2002, can somebody share regarding Business Class service on the Capitol Corridor?
Estelle - December 12, 2001
Message:
We haven't planned a holiday party this year on Train 542 (Oakland to Sacramento). The idea got to be overwhelming and the party planners fizzled out. If we get energized, we may try to pull something off in the New Year. Stay tuned!
Karen Killebrew - December 04, 2001
Message:
Have Holiday parties been scheduled for Oakland/Emeryville-Sacramento and Sacramento-Auburn? I generally only ride once a week so I want to plan ahead...
Jim White - November 28, 2001
Message:
What happened to the #523 this morning? I heard something about a derailment.
Darlene - November 28, 2001
Message:
I CALLED THE OAKLAND AMTRAK OFFICE ON 11/28 AT 11:30 A.M. AND THE PERSON THERE SAID THE CAPITOLS WOULD BE RUNNING THIS EVENING AS USUAL.
Estelle - November 20, 2001
Message:
I've started a separate section for the Auburn to Sac riders. If you would like to be added to the "Commuter" list, please send an e-mail to eshiroma@pacbell.net
Jeffrey Spencer - November 20, 2001
Message:
I did not notice any Sacramento-Auburn folks listed on the commuter page. You can update starting with me. jeffrey.spencer@dot.ca.gov or jlmspencer@yahoo.com
Claudia Brugman - October 18, 2001
Message:
Would anyone like to carpool with me during the service disruption? I live in Montclair (Oakland) and work near the Great America station. If anyone is interested please send me email and we'll see if we can work something out.
claudia_brugman@hotmail.com
David Thorburn - September 19, 2001
Message:
Where's Gene?
Why doesn't respond?
There seems to be no accountability on Amtrak!
David Thorburn thorburn@conl.net - September 17, 2001
Message:
Monday 09/17/2001: Poor Amtrak Performance!
Friday's service from the Bay Area was awful.
Amtrak knew early in the afternoon that they would not be running a train through Richmond yet only after over 100 passengers waited over three hours did they begin a meager effort to shuttle passengers to the Martinez station for their trips home to the
Sacramento Area. Callers to 1-800-USARAIL were lied to, hung up on, and told they could walk if they didn't like it! When is this route going to be run professionally?
Several hundred of us depend on this service and we don't like being taken for granted!
Gene will you please answer?
Eydie Golden - September 09, 2001
Message:
This message to to Gene Skoropowski -
What ever happened to the CC Rider pin contest? Were any prizes ever issued? Do we have a pin that has been made up yet? I am coming back to riding the train after having tried other alternatives for the last couple of months (I missed the comraderie) and have been out of the loop - just curious...
David Thorburn - September 06, 2001
Message:
I sold the (5- punch remaining ticket) this
morning in Davis. Best Wishes to all CC
Riders, David thorburn@conl.net
David Thorburn - September 05, 2001
Message:
I have 5 (Five) unused punches left on a ten-trip ticket from Davis to Richmond BART good
for September. Its value is $60.00. I will
sell for $20
Contact David at thorburn@conl.net
Dan - August 23, 2001
Message:
yes it should refer to home page for instructions
Dan - August 23, 2001
Message:
Please ignore last message IT DOES APPLY TO 10 RIDES as well send in to appropriate address referred to in July 27,2001 message
Dan - August 23, 2001
Message:
check with the ticket office but I believe it applied to monthleies only. Please refer to message dated July 27 2001
10-ride ticket - August 22, 2001
Message:
Does anyone know whether my 10-ride ticket
qualifies for 25% refund?
It was valid between 7/9 to 8/22.
A conductor on train # 545 told me that she's
not aware of any refunds.
Bill Wullenjohn - August 04, 2001
Message:
The Alaska Airlines Mileage accrual forms are available in the waiting room of the Centerville Depot. They are stocked by Amtrak's timetable firm (Western Folder Distributing). Amtrak station personnel just need to order them. Next time you speak with your station agent, ask them to order some from Western Folder. They can even place their order on-line.
Bill Wullenjohn
Cheryl Morgan - August 02, 2001
Message:
Does anyone know where to find the milage accrual forms for the Alaska Airlines mileage program. There are sign-up forms everywhere, but you don't seem to be able to claim for trips once you have joined. SJ Diridon station and the train staff both say they have no forms.
Darlene - July 27, 2001
Message:
For those who may not yet have heard: Amtrak is offering a 25% reduction on all monthly and 10-ride August tickets. This is to compensate the "regulars" for the horrendous performance of the Capitol Corridors this past month. If you purchased your ticket for August before the 25% reduction was coded into the station's computer, AT THE END OF AUGUST, send your ticket to "Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, 800 Madison Street, LMA-2, Oakland, CA 94604." Enclose your name and address so that the refund will reach you promptly.
Kevin Brown - July 17, 2001
Message:
I wanted to let all the CC Riders know that I have spoken with Rick Shedd at the Dept. of General Services about expanding the State Shuttle route to include the Amtrak Station. He called me personally to tell me that DGS is currently reviewing the possibilities of improving service in the downtown area and encouraged all state employees to send him a note of support. His email address is: richard.shedd@dgs.ca.gov
eric - June 13, 2001
Message:
Looking for information on City Life in DC? Check out our magazine about city living...
www.newcolonist.com
Response to Betty from Gene - June 04, 2001
Message:
You all have my sincerest apologies, and you all deserve a heartfelt 'thank you' for sticking with us after last week. I was attempting to take train #538 myself on Thursday, to show a long-time friend 'how well we are doing'. Needless to say, it was neither a good trip, nor was it a good week operationally.
I do believe that Amtrak and Union Pacific did do the best they could TECHNICALLY to get the trains in position to make the best of a bad situation, but your point is well taken on the 'information to passengers' side of the issue. All of the 'regulars' who know me (and there were PLENTY!) asked 'what happened?' The general feeling is that most riders' ire was fueled by the fact that no announcements were made telling the riders WHY the situation occurred. Thursday's 'mess' was caused by a failure of Union Pacific's signals to work between a point north of Richmond and Martinez. Compounding the problem was a Coast Guard request to 'open the draw bridge' north of Martinez, something the railroad is obliged to do under the law. None of this background information was conveyed to the riders. The only announcements I heard (one at Oakland "Take the bus to Emeryville, your train will meet you there" and one at Emeryville "Capitol Corridor commuters should get on train #718, and transfer at Richmond"). The Emeryville announcement was especially terse (no need to be, but it was) and no on board announcements were made regarding the reasons for the delay.
The crew on train #718 handled the situation especially well, especially in the way they advised the Capitol Corridor passengers what to do upon arriving at Richmond Station. There was a delay in opening the train doors
to let the transferring passengers into their train, but that was because the crew had to get all of the Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco and Berkeley passengers OFF the train first, and instruct them on how to get
their destination.
In my discussions with Amtrak afterwards, my concerns about conveying i
Betty J. Digilio - June 01, 2001
Message:
On May 30 and 31 the 5:30 pm train leaving Oakland/Jack London square was an hour late on May 30 and 45 minutes late on May 31st. Yesterday, May 31, 2001 the passengers were informed that the train 542 would not be arriving because the train was receiving a red signal. We were bused to Emeryville and there we were informed to get on the 718 train that would take us to the Richmond station where our train would pick us up and take us to Sacramento. In the Oakland station 718 was sitting there waiting for its schedule time to leave. Why were we bused to Emeryville where we were told to get on 718? At the Oakland station, why were we not told to get on the 718, that would take use to Richmond to meet our Sacramento train?
On Thursday May 24th the 3:30 pm train scheduled to leave Oakland was 45 minutes late getting into Sacramento. My argument is not that the train was late, I understand the train was late because of the bridge. My issue is why, when we are already running late, are we waiting for trains to leave stations? To be specific, a train was leaving Sacramento the evening we were arriving, we sat for 15 minutes while that train proceeded to leave the station. We were already late, why doesn't the train that is late have priority over the trains that are just scheduled to leave a station?
The ridership has increased since I started in July of 2000. There have been 2 rate increases and the train service hasn't improved. We are still not being informed as to why we are running late, especially from the Oakland train station. Something needs to be done to inform riders and to improve the start and arrival time of these trains.
Farshid - May 16, 2001
Message:
Hi Folks,
I have heard that Capitol Corridor has announced an expansion in service as well as transfer agreements with several transit agencies along its way. Does anyone know what the expansion involves? Are there more northbound trains from Silicon Valley in the evening? Your help is much appreciated....
Thanks,
Farshid
Response to Scho re: train statistics - May 16, 2001
Message:
I have the on-time stats for every train, every day. They are published
monthly, which is not really much use to a rider of a particular train. I
will see if we can prepare something on a train-by-train basis so that if a
potential rider wants to 'check-out' the average on-time performance of the
trains he/she intends to ride, they will be able to get a snapshot of its
on-time performance .
Gene
Kathleen Brower - May 07, 2001
Message:
I rode the 6:15am train Monday thru Thursday of last week Sacramento to Richmond. The train as right on time Monday and Tuesday and really late Wednesday and Thursday, almost an hour both days. I rode again this morning and it was on-time. Both delays were blamed on UP freights in front of us.
Scho - May 06, 2001
Message:
Anyone know if ontime statistics for the Capitol trains are recorded/published anywhere? If so, where? If not, I'd be interested in setting up a website to allow passengers to easily view/record this information. I imagine this would be useful info. for potential new passengers (so they can see what they're letting themselves ifn for) and for existing passengers in bargaining with Amtrak as part of their Total Satisfaction guarantee. Please email me if you think this is a good idea Scho
Cond. Dan - May 04, 2001
Message:
Well I will start again, How is everything going with the new train? I hope it is working well. It is hoped that I will be back on the trains by Sept. I want to thank those that have called or emailed me with their concerns. Thank you hopefully I will see you in the fall
Dan Grimshaw
Dan - May 04, 2001
Message:
hows it going with the new trains
Darlene McGuire - May 01, 2001
Message:
Those of you who have had Joe Ibieta as your bus driver on the 4th & Market a.m. run and the 5 p.m. Hyatt run may wish to e-mail Dick Bush at bushd@amtrak.com to request that Joe be reinstated as our driver. They have put him on a 4 p.m. run to Pier 39 and we can voice our opinion that he be returned to the commuters!
Amadeus Traq - March 18, 2001
Message:
Now that the rehabilitaion of the Davis Amtrak parking lot is close to completion, you may have noticed the large granite plinth amidst the Feng-Shui inspired bolders.
Commencing in May, and led by yours truly, we will begin a weekly song, chant, drumming, Tai-chi and meditation session around the slab, in an effort to ensure the continued on-time arrival of train 723 and secure, safe and uninterrupted passage across the Carcinas Strait.
Let me know if you're interested in participating.
~Am Traq
Iris - March 15, 2001
Message:
I am a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and I am looking for someone commuting from Fairfield to Sacramento. I would like to commute with someone going around the 99/Florin Area Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm.I manage/release all the orphaned and injured baby birds in Sacramento. Email me at ScrubEJay@aol.com. Thanks!!
Estelle - December 08, 2000
Message:
I think on-time performance for Train 730 returning to the Sacramento area has been exceptionally bad this week. The delay on Tuesday was due to an accident involving an Amtrak train hitting an automobile in Fairfield earlier in the day. Maybe others can provide information on the delays that occured on other days this week. I don't think you should give up on the train yet. Many riders have tried all modes of transportation into the Bay Area and have concluded that the train works best for them.
Dave - December 07, 2000
Message:
I've been riding the Capitol Corridor for about 3 weeks. During the first two weeks I was very happy with the train being on time. But, if AMTRAK can't do any better than they've done this week on meeting schedule, particularly on the 5:40 out of Emeryville, I'll be forced to look into other means to commute. Four hours from SF to Sacramento is too long. Is this a common occurrence or has this week been a fluke? help!
Disgusted Dave
Darlene McGuire - November 20, 2000
Message:
Due to recent changes in the pricing of and services provided with single-trip tickets, Amtrak and its companion bus service are advising that it may be necessary for all riders--monthly pass-holders and multi-ride pass-holders--to show their passes to the bus drivers. Apparently, for daytrippers the bus connection to San Francisco is not automatically included in the price of the train ticket. Therefore, the bus driver must confirm that the additional fee has been paid. Amtrak asks for your cooperation.
Estelle Shiroma - November 02, 2000
Message:
The City of Davis parking lot has been so full that passengers trying to park after 7:45 AM have not been able to find parking in marked stalls. If you have parked outside of marked stalls (in white curb areas) with a parking permit, and received a parking citation, please e-mail me: eshiroma@pacbell.net
John Kinnison - November 01, 2000
Message:
Just wanted to pass this information on to the Roseville/Auburn commuters. I lodged a complaint with AMTRAK Customer Relations Dept. regarding the passengers left standing(10-12) when the bus left before the train arrived on October 27th and 31st leaving us without transportation home until after the next train arrived. If you call 1-800-USA RAIL Customer Relations and discuss the matter with them, they have the authority to issue you up to $25.00 voucher as a part of their Service Guarantee Program.
Also you need to keep informing AMTRAK via email to Dick Bush (bushd@amtrak.com or amtrakbus@aol.com) of the problems.
TAMMIE - October 20, 2000
Message:
LOOKING FOR THE PROJECT FOR MAKING SNOWMAN
AND CHRISTMAS TREE OUT OF SOLO PLASTIC CUPS
MY E- MAIL
poorboy90@hotmail.com
Sac Bee News Story on the Capitols - April 24, 2000
Message:
Bill Lindelof, the transportation reporter for the Sacramento Bee, is planning to ride the train this week. He will probably be wandering through the train to talk to regular commuters about their experiences on the Capitol Corridor for a story to be published in the Bee. Your input will be appreciated!
Greg Taylor, Chair STDC - April 16, 2000
Message:
Sacramento Capitol Corridor Commuters
You may be aware that Union Pacific Railroad is continuing its efforts to move the passenger tracks away from the historic SP Station, making their toxic-free 37 acres directly accessible to the city and build another station facility two blocks north. Our grass-roots organization Save the Depot Coalition is working to to maintain the historic station as The Station, and build a future for intermodal transportation from this very significant structure for rail, light rail, bus, taxi and bicylcles, and for the accessible pedestrian connection to the downtown business center and tourism. If you are interested in joining our efforts, and/or writing letters to local politicians and/or rail officials, contact Greg Taylor at gt@toposarc.com.
This is your rail future.
Thank you.
Message for Jim Cameron - March 30, 2000
Message:
I have forwarded your request regarding the definition of "on time" to Gene Skoropowski, the Managing Director of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority. Gene's e-mail address is: eskorop@bart.gov
Message to Chuck - March 30, 2000
Message:
Go to our Rail Links page and click on East Bay Train Riders. Most of the users of our "sister website" take the train to the Silicon Valley area and may be able to help. You can request assistance regarding your commute dilemma by signing up for the train talk list. Good luck!
kwame@slipnet.com - March 29, 2000
Message:
I'd like to start doing the 723 to greatamerica (816am) 'cept no reasonable connection to compaq cupertino (tantau or vallco parkway. Help me please
chuck
CT Rail Commuter Council - March 16, 2000
Message:
Hello!
I'm Vice Chmn of the CT Metro-North Rail Commuter Council. We are working on getting our riders better on time performance.
Metro-North defines "on time" as within 6 min. of advertised times... and says this is an "industry standard".
Do you know if this is true? What do your local commuter and freight railroads define "on time" as being?
Thanks!
JIM CAMERON
CT RAIL COMMUTER COUNCIL
www.trainweb.org/ct
Sharon Davis-Wilson - March 03, 2000
Message:
SORRY I MISSED THE POTLUCK LAST NIGHT! MARTY TOLD ME ABOUT THE GET TOGETHER THAT MORNING; BUT, I HAD TO GET ON HOME. SO, I TOOK THE EARLIER TRAIN.
HOW CAN I BE ADDED TO THE "COMMUTERS" LIST? MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS: SHARONDW@JPS.NET (HOME)
ALSO, I HAVE BEEN PROMOTING THE CAPITOL TO SOME CO-WORKERS - REALLY FUN LADIES. THEY WILL BE GETTING ON AT AUBURN GOING TO JACK LONDON SQUARE. THERE NAMES ARE EDIE, SHARON, NAN AND JANET. I TOLD THEM TO GO TO THE LAST CAR AND YOU GUYS WOULD TAKE CARE OF THEM. I ALSO GAVE THEM THIS WEBSITE. HOPE TO SEE (AND PARTY) WITH YOU ALL SOON.
Bob Westfall - March 01, 2000
Message:
Lost: a Cat's Eye bike headlamp. Last Thur, Feb 24, probably on the 723.
Estelle - January 17, 2000
Message:
FOUND on Train 726, Thursday 1-13-00
DISK DRIVE
I will be in Car No. 1 on Trains 723 and 726 on Monday, 1-17-00 or e-mail me:
eshiroma@pacbell.net
Jesse - January 11, 2000
Message:
Katherine:
Can you tell me more about the new Oakland to SJ train that will start on feb14? I live near Hayward, and I've been clamoring for a useable commute train for a long time. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Katherine - December 09, 1999
Message:
Finally a train schedule that fits reality. I've commuted from East Bay (Moraga) to SJ at Valley Medical Center for three years.
On the new schedule from Oakland to SJ,I want Amtrak to hold a Valentines Party on the opening day feb 14th. Box of candy for the first 50 guests on the Oakland line. News coverage, etc. This is just a fantastic service for me and my son.
