ORANGE, Calif., Nov. 12, 2020 / -- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner continues to deliver a new standard of travel by helping customers travel safely and comfortably this Thanksgiving. To provide more flexibility for customers and increase available seats on peak travel days, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is offering an additional round-trip that will operate between San Diego and Los Angeles on 11/25 and 11/29. Additional trains will operate as follows:
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Wednesday, November 25, 2020: Southbound train 572 will depart Los Angeles at 10:54 a.m., making all scheduled stops on the way to San Diego, arriving at 1:52 p.m. Northbound train 591 will depart San Diego at 5:22 p.m., making all scheduled stops on the way to Los Angeles, arriving at 8:34 p.m.
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Sunday, November 29, 2020: Southbound train 1572 will depart Los Angeles at 11:20 a.m., making all scheduled stops on the way to San Diego, arriving at 2:13 p.m. Northbound train 1591 will depart San Diego at 5:25 p.m., making all scheduled stops on the way to Los Angeles, arriving at 8:28 p.m.
Wednesday and Sunday during the week of Thanksgiving are typically the most popular days to travel on Pacific Surfliner trains. The additional trip (one in each direction) is sandwiched between popular departure times. In addition, train cars are being added when possible to increase the number of available seats on select trains.
To safely manage an expected increase in travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday, reservations will be required to travel beginning Monday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. Multi-ride tickets must be confirmed prior to each trip on these dates as well. This helps manage capacity and allows customers to distance themselves onboard. To view all service adjustments, visit pacificsurfliner.com/holiday.
Customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and book early to guarantee available tickets. Bookings will be limited to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Amtrak’s new standard of travel includes:
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Face coverings: Amtrak requires all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations unless actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing.
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Station arrival: Customers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before departure and 60 minutes if in need of assistance.
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Capacity indicator: When searching for travel options, customers will see a volume percentage next to each route so they can get helpful insight into which trains are less crowded. The percentage displayed is available in real-time when customers search for their train.
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Amtrak app: Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app.
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Air quality: All Amtrak trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
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Physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.
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Limiting bookings: We are limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
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Visit pacificsurfliner.com/safety for additional information.
Tickets are currently for sale and can be found, along with current schedules, on Amtrak.com and through the Amtrak app. Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and pilot new opportunities to support personal safety. Visit Amtrak.com for more information about how Amtrak is maintaining a safe environment.
About Amtrak®
Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel. To simplify and safeguard the travel experience, new cleaning and convenience measures are part of every customer’s contactless journey – from booking to arrival. Leveraging a full-time medical director and public health and safety team, we are committed to operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com.
About the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®
The Pacific Surfliner travels along a 351-mile coastal rail route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, serving 27 stations. It is the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the United States. To learn more and plan a trip, visit pacificsurfliner.com.
Media Contact:
Olivia Irvin, Amtrak Media Relations, MediaRelationsOakland@Amtrak.
Nicole Freeman, The ACE Agency, nicole@theaceagency.com
