Recent Changes for "Amtrak" - Davis Wiki

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-10-26 03:14:21

updated long-distance train schedules

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/routeguidecazephyr.pdf	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Timetable and Route Guide can be downloaded from here http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Route_C/1237608341980/1237405732511
Line 58:	Line 58:
- The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P11.pdf and and Route Guide: http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/routeguidecoaststarlight.pdf	+ The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable and Route Guide can be downloaded from here http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Route_C/1241245648567/1237405732511
Line 71:	Line 71:
- * bring creature comforts for a good night's sleep. Bring your own pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for a pillow, bring a blanket, and bring an old turtleneck you can furl up and tie around your head as a blindfold/earmuff. - * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches. To find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, get a seat in front or behind the seat with the outlet, and wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave off the left side of the flange on your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the outside door and charge it. If you don't get a seat near the outlet and really electrical access, casually look at the "destination tags" above each seat near the plug, and find someone getting sometime soon (like Reno, Redding, Oakland) and move to their seat when they vacate it. Then you'll have power for the rest of the trip.	+ * bring creature comforts for a good night's sleep. Bring your own pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for a pillow, and bring a blanket for coziness and privacy. If you're sensitive to sound and light at night, bring an old turtleneck -- when you're settling in for the night, hold it by the sleeves and furl up the torso-part, then tie it around your head so it covers your eyes and ears as a blindfold/earmuff.
Line 76:	Line 75:
- * For some "small cities with major universities" destinations (San Luis Obispo, Eugene OR, Corvallis/Albany, OR, Olympia WA, Reno NV, Provo UT) Amtrak is more convenient than flying, as it offers direct service from downtown Davis to the downtown of the destination city.	+ * For some "small cities with major universities" destinations (San Luis Obispo CA, Santa Barbara CA, Eugene OR, Corvallis/Albany OR, Olympia WA, Reno NV, Provo UT) Amtrak is often more convenient than flying, as it offers direct service from downtown Davis to the downtown of the destination city.
Line 78:	Line 77:
- * Bicycles need to be checked as baggage. There is a fee and you need a box (arrive early for this). - * You can only take check baggage (or take bicycles) to cities with staffed stations marked with a little suitcase icon on the timetables http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf i.e., you can check a bag to Klamath Falls, OR and Santa Barbara, CA, but not to Paso Robles, CA or Chemult, OR.	+ * Bicycles need to be checked as baggage. There is a fee and you need a box (arrive early for this). Folding bikes can be taken as carry-on. + * You can only take checked baggage (or bicycles) to cities with staffed stations marked with a little suitcase icon on the timetables (see timetables in above links) i.e., you can check a bag to Klamath Falls, OR or Santa Barbara, CA, but not to Paso Robles, CA or Chemult, OR.
Line 89:	Line 88:
- * You can get up and walk around	+ * You can get up and walk around.
Line 97:	Line 96:
	+ + Power for laptops and other electronic devices on Long Distance Trains + * Superliner coaches were designed and built in the 80s and 90s, before everyone had laptops and cell phones. The is one outlet on the top level of each car, though. It was put in for vaccuuming the cars during servicing, so it's not designed to be "user friendly" but it works just fine. Here's how you can find it and use it: + 1) bring a 12' extension cord with you on the train. Preferably with 3 outlets on the end, so you can "share" the power supply. And bring a sharp pocketknife. + 2) when boarding, go up the stairs and turn to your left at the top of the stairs. Walk towards the end of the car, and the outlet is at the third seat on your left at about knee level. About halfway between the stairs and the end of the car. + 3) If the third seat away from the stairs is open, take it. Otherwise, try to get one of the seats on that side of the aisle, as close to the third seat as possible. + 4) If you got the third seat back, great. The outlet is usually partially hidden by the seat in front of you, it's pretty dark down there, but you'll find it eventually. + 5) If you weren't able to get the third set back, make yourself comfy, wait for the conductor to come and take your ticket, then introduce yourself to the folks sitting in the third seat back, and ask it its okay if you plug your extension cord into their outlet. They probably won't have noticed it, and aren't likely to mind if you use it. Run your extension cord along the wall to their seat, and plug it in. + 6) If you weren't able to get a seat anywhere on the left side by the outlet, casually look at the "destination tags" above each seat near the plug, and find someone getting sometime before your stop. (like Reno, Redding, Oakland). When they detrain, you can move to their seat. (It the train is full, ask your car attendant if this is okay. Most will be fine with it). Then you'll have power for the rest of the trip. (Stations have 3-letter codes -- "CHI" is Chico, "FKS" is Klamath Falls, "WIN" is Winnemucca, etc.). + 7) If the outlet is partially obscured by the adjacent seat, you can usually still make it work. If it's only slightly obstructed, you can move the seat, plug in your extension cord, then move the seat back. The seat moves by pushing on a metal treadle on the aisle (each seat can rotate 180 degrees -- it's easier to turn the seats at the end of a trip than turn the car). Do this when there's no aisle traffic, and the car attendant isn't anywhere to be seen... + If the outlet is obscured all the way over to the prong-slot, then you'll need to cut off part of the flange on your extension cord. Take your cord, your sharp knife, and use a book and newspaper as a cutting board. Shave off the rubberized plastic from one side or the other as necessary to make a narrow-profile flange that will fit cleanly in the outlet. + 8) After you're plugged in, offer your neighbors a spot in your 3-outlet extension cord. You'll make new friends this way. + and move to their seat when they vacate it. Then you'll have power for the rest of the trip. + AND + 9) There's plenty of other outlets on the train. One on the lower level by the outside door. One in each bathroom. Several in the lounge car, upper level, in an abandoned service area (this is where most folks charge their phones), and usually one downstairs in the lounge car. So even if you aren't able to get power from the single outlet in the coach, you'll still be able to use your equipment for part of the trip.

Amtrak

IrinaChakraborty — 2009-10-24 10:15:31

changed the station phone number (old one transfered to general amtrak #)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 18:	Line 18:
- \|\|(530)758-4220 (Direct)\|\|	+ \|\|(530)758-7160 (Direct)\|\|

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-10-11 17:08:59

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/routeguidecazephyr.pdf
Line 58:	Line 58:
- The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf and and Route Guide: http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/coast_starlight_experience/routeguidecoaststarlight.pdf	+ The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P11.pdf and and Route Guide: http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/routeguidecoaststarlight.pdf

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-10-11 17:03:36

updated California Zephyr timetable link

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/may09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf
Line 72:	Line 72:
- * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave off the left side of the flange on your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. If you really want a seat with electrical access, casually look at the "destination tags" above each seat near the plug, and find someone getting sometime soon (like Reno, Redding, Oakland) and move to their seat when they vacate it.	+ * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches. To find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, get a seat in front or behind the seat with the outlet, and wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave off the left side of the flange on your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the outside door and charge it. If you don't get a seat near the outlet and really electrical access, casually look at the "destination tags" above each seat near the plug, and find someone getting sometime soon (like Reno, Redding, Oakland) and move to their seat when they vacate it. Then you'll have power for the rest of the trip.

Amtrak

WilliamLewis — 2009-05-29 09:56:29

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 100:	Line 100:
- Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/IDrequirements.html requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.	+ Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/IDrequirements.html requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks. The staff on the long distance routes are far more likely to ask for your ID than the staff on the Capital Corridor.

Amtrak

JabberWokky — 2009-05-23 15:41:17

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 23:	Line 23:
- '''Amtrak''' offers two types of train service from the ["Train station Davis train station]: the "Capitol Corridor" service with trains about ever hour east to Sacramento and west to Oakland/San Jose, and the Long Distance service with one departure daily of the Coast Starlight (north to Portland and Seattle, south to Los Angeles), and the California Zephyr (east to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago). Capitol Corridor trains are the ones commonly seen in Davis, with blue orange and silver cars, about 5 cars long. Long distance trains are silver with red and blue stripes, have 2 engines, and 7-11 cars.	+ '''Amtrak''' offers two types of train service from the ["Train station" Davis train station]: the "Capitol Corridor" service with trains about ever hour east to Sacramento and west to Oakland/San Jose, and the Long Distance service with one departure daily of the Coast Starlight (north to Portland and Seattle, south to Los Angeles), and the California Zephyr (east to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago). Capitol Corridor trains are the ones commonly seen in Davis, with blue orange and silver cars, about 5 cars long. Long distance trains are silver with red and blue stripes, have 2 engines, and 7-11 cars.

Amtrak

JabberWokky — 2009-05-23 15:41:00

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 23:	Line 23:
- '''Amtrak''' offers two types of train service from Davis -- the "Capitol Corridor" service with trains about ever hour east to Sacramento and west to Oakland/San Jose, and the Long Distance service with one departure daily of the Coast Starlight (north to Portland and Seattle, south to Los Angeles), and the California Zephyr (east to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago). Capitol Corridor trains are the ones commonly seen in Davis, with blue orange and silver cars, about 5 cars long. Long distance trains are silver with red and blue stripes, have 2 engines, and 7-11 cars.	+ '''Amtrak''' offers two types of train service from the ["Train station Davis train station]: the "Capitol Corridor" service with trains about ever hour east to Sacramento and west to Oakland/San Jose, and the Long Distance service with one departure daily of the Coast Starlight (north to Portland and Seattle, south to Los Angeles), and the California Zephyr (east to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago). Capitol Corridor trains are the ones commonly seen in Davis, with blue orange and silver cars, about 5 cars long. Long distance trains are silver with red and blue stripes, have 2 engines, and 7-11 cars.
Line 67:	Line 67:
- * don't be surprised if the train is late, possibly many hours late. Odds are good you'll be on time or close to it, but if there's some serious problem just chill out and	+ * don't be surprised if the train is late, possibly many hours late. Odds are good you'll be on time or close to it, but if there's some serious problem just ["Train Station" chill out] and

Amtrak

SolidSender — 2009-05-23 13:40:59

The Wiki-fication is too much sometimes: everybody knows what a timetable is

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Here is a link to the official "Timetable" (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Follow this link to the Zephyr Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 11:27:22

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Il and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Timetable (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Ill and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Here is a link to the official "Timetable" (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf and here is a link to a "route guide" (descriptions of scenic highlights)http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/california_zephyr_experience/routeguidecazephyr.pdf
Line 58:	Line 58:
- The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf	+ The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable: http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf and and Route Guide: http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/amtrak_vacations/coast_starlight_experience/routeguidecoaststarlight.pdf

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 11:12:29

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 72:	Line 72:
- * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it.	+ * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave off the left side of the flange on your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. If you really want a seat with electrical access, casually look at the "destination tags" above each seat near the plug, and find someone getting sometime soon (like Reno, Redding, Oakland) and move to their seat when they vacate it.
Line 74:	Line 74:
- * Call Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) and ask Julie the automated voice for 'Train Status" to find out if your train is on time. Even if Julie says something like "the Starlight is expected in at 9:12AM, 2 hours and 22 minutes late..." be sure to be there at least a half hour before expected arrival. The Amtrak automatic delay calculator can have problems, and you're better off waiting an extra half hour at the Davis station than missing your train.	+ * Call Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) and ask Julie the automated voice for 'Train Status" to find out if your train is on time. Even if Julie says something like "the Starlight is expected in at 9:12AM, 2 hours and 22 minutes late..." be sure to be there at least a half hour before expected arrival. The Amtrak automatic delay calculator can have problems, and you're better off waiting an extra half hour at the Davis station than missing your train. Trains running on time can't leave early, but trains running late will leave the station as soon as they possibly can.
Line 78:	Line 78:
- * There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this). You can only take check baggage (or take bicycles) to cities with staffed stations marked with a little suitcase icon on the timetables http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf i.e., you can check a bag to Klamath Falls, OR and Santa Barbara, CA, but not to Paso Robles, CA or Chemult, OR.	+ * Bicycles need to be checked as baggage. There is a fee and you need a box (arrive early for this). + * You can only take check baggage (or take bicycles) to cities with staffed stations marked with a little suitcase icon on the timetables http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf i.e., you can check a bag to Klamath Falls, OR and Santa Barbara, CA, but not to Paso Robles, CA or Chemult, OR.
Line 94:	Line 95:
- * Try a long-weekend vacation to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA.	+ * You can take a long-weekend vacation to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 11:00:38

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 52:	Line 52:
	+ [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 400)]]
Line 54:	Line 55:
- [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 400)]]
Line 57:	Line 57:
- [[Image(StarlightMap.jpg, left, thumbnail, 200)]]	+ [[Image(StarlightMap.gif, left, thumbnail, 200)]]

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:59:46

Upload of image StarlightMap.gif.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:57:56

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 54:	Line 54:
	+ [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 400)]]
Line 55:	Line 56:
- [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 400)]]

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:57:22

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 500)]]	+ [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 400)]]
Line 57:	Line 57:
- [[Image(StarlightMap.jpg, right, thumbnail, 100)]]	+ [[Image(StarlightMap.jpg, left, thumbnail, 200)]]

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:56:17

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 8:	Line 8:
- \|\|Note: '''Parking permit required!'''\|\|	+ \|\|Note: '''Parking permit required!''' (and parking fills up at 6AM on weekdays)\|\|
Line 55:	Line 55:
	+ [[Image(20090523_californiazephyr.gif, right, thumbnail, 500)]]
Line 56:	Line 57:
	+ [[Image(StarlightMap.jpg, right, thumbnail, 100)]]
Line 89:	Line 91:
- If you've never taken a long train trip in the US, you're fortunate to be living in Davis. - * Davis is a great place to start a long trip -- it is one of a handful of small cities in the western US with two different long distance trains (with Martinez, CA, Vancouver WA and Galesburg, Ill).	+ If you've never taken a long train trip in the US, you're fortunate to be living in Davis. Davis is a great place to start a long trip
Line 92:	Line 93:
- * Take a trip to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA. - * If you're presenting at a conference in a city on a route served by Davis, go by train one way or both. It's a fun way to travel.	+ * Davis is one of a handful of small cities in the western US with two different long distance trains (the only other small cities are Martinez, CA, Vancouver WA and Galesburg, Ill). + * Try a long-weekend vacation to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA. + * If you're presenting at a conference in a city on a route served by Davis, go by train one way or both. It's a fun way to travel, and you can put together your powerpoint while traveling.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:52:25

Upload of image StarlightMap.jpg.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:52:03

Upload of image 20090523_californiazephyr.gif.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 10:50:44

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 27:	Line 27:
- Long distance service has older trains, with amenities such as sleeper cars, lounges and diners. If you want to bring a bike you'll need to box it up (boxes are available at the station), you can check luggage, etc. Travel is often cheaper than airfare if you buy in advance (busy travel periods) or even if you don't (off-season). Long distance trains often run late (a lot can happen between Chicaco and Davis), but improvements were made in 2007 to both routes though Davis and now trains run routinely on time, or close to it.	+ Long distance service has older trains, with amenities such as sleeper cars, lounges and diners. If you want to bring a bike you'll need to box it up (boxes are available at the station), you can check luggage, etc. Travel is often cheaper than airfare if you buy in advance (busy travel periods) or even if you don't (off-season). Long distance trains often run late (a lot can happen between Chicago and Davis), but improvements were made in 2007 to both routes though Davis and now trains run routinely on time, or close to it.
Line 67:	Line 67:
- * bring snacks. Train food isn't all that great, and snacks will add variety. Snacks can also help you	+ * bring snacks. Train food is hearty and wholesome, but bland, and snacks will add variety. Snacks can also help you
Line 70:	Line 70:
- * bring an extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and look in the third seat back. The outlet is s sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. - * expect a few crotchety onboard staff. They're on the trains for 4 or 6 days at a time, need to be on call 24-7, and they spent the last 8 years (Bush administration) with zero job security. Many of the folks with other skills left, and you can help make the current set of staff kind and courteous if you treat them that way. 90% of them are great, but you'll meet the 10% once in a while.	+ * bring a 12' extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and get a seat on the left side of the aisle. The outlet is at knee-height at the third seat back. If the third seat back is empty, grab it. If not, wait until things settle down after the stop and politely ask the occupants if you can plug in your extension cord and run it along the wall to your seat. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. + * expect a few crotchety onboard staff. They're on the trains for 4 or 6 days at a time, they're on call 24-7, and they spent the last 8 years (Bush administration) with zero job security. Many of the folks with other skills found other jobs, and you can help make the current set of staff kind and courteous if you treat them that way. 90% of them are great, but you'll meet the 10% once in a while.
Line 74:	Line 74:
- * You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s). There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this).	+ * For some "small cities with major universities" destinations (San Luis Obispo, Eugene OR, Corvallis/Albany, OR, Olympia WA, Reno NV, Provo UT) Amtrak is more convenient than flying, as it offers direct service from downtown Davis to the downtown of the destination city. + * You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s) + * There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this). You can only take check baggage (or take bicycles) to cities with staffed stations marked with a little suitcase icon on the timetables http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf i.e., you can check a bag to Klamath Falls, OR and Santa Barbara, CA, but not to Paso Robles, CA or Chemult, OR.
Line 76:	Line 78:
- If you've never taken a long trip in the US, it's a great time to do it if you live in Davis, one of a handful of towns in the western US with two different long distance trains. Take a trip to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA. It's a fun way to travel. Or if you're presenting at a conference in Seattle or Denver, go by train one way or both.	+ Why take use Amtrak for long distance travel? + While trains are slower than airplanes, they have definite advantages. + * You don't need to arrive an hour early. + * You don't need to drive to the airport. + * If your train is late you'll be sitting in the sun eating Village Bakery Pizza with a friend. + * You won't be strip-searched. + * You won't get herded like cattle, + * You'll have wide comfy reclining seats with a ton of leg room. + * You can get up and walk around + * You'll see great scenery. Much better than driving, since it's up-close and personal, and you go up canyons and on mountains with no roads. + + If you've never taken a long train trip in the US, you're fortunate to be living in Davis. + * Davis is a great place to start a long trip -- it is one of a handful of small cities in the western US with two different long distance trains (with Martinez, CA, Vancouver WA and Galesburg, Ill). + * The Davis train station is convenient, central, clean and inviting (most stations lack one or more of these qualities). + * Take a trip to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA. + * If you're presenting at a conference in a city on a route served by Davis, go by train one way or both. It's a fun way to travel.

Amtrak

RyanMikulovsky — 2009-05-23 08:03:33

fix bulleting.

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 59:	Line 59:
- * $85 Davis to Seattle - * $55 Davis to Los Angeles - * $68 Davis to Salt Lake City - * $145 Davis to Chicago	+ * $85 Davis to Seattle + * $55 Davis to Los Angeles + * $68 Davis to Salt Lake City + * $145 Davis to Chicago
Line 65:	Line 65:
- * don't be surprised if the train is late, possibly many hours late. Odds are good you'll be on time or close to it, but if there's some serious problem just chill out and - * bring a good book. - * bring snacks. Train food isn't all that great, and snacks will add variety. Snacks can also help you - * make friends. Amtrak lounge cars are full of lowly travelers of all ages and walks in life. In the diner you'll sit with other people. It's good times. - * bring creature comforts for a good night's sleep. Bring your own pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for a pillow, bring a blanket, and bring an old turtleneck you can furl up and tie around your head as a blindfold/earmuff. - * bring an extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and look in the third seat back. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. - * expect a few crotchety onboard staff. They're on the trains for 4 or 6 days at a time, need to be on call 24-7, and they spent the last 8 years (Bush administration) with zero job security. Many of the folks with other skills left, and you can help make the current set of staff kind and courteous if you treat them that way. 90% of them are great, but you'll meet the 10% once in a while. - * Call Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) and ask Julie the automated voice for 'Train Status" to find out if your train is on time. Even if Julie says something like "the Starlight is expected in at 9:12AM, 2 hours and 22 minutes late..." be sure to be there at least a half hour before expected arrival. The Amtrak automatic delay calculator can have problems, and you're better off waiting an extra half hour at the Davis station than missing your train. - * Sleeping compartments can be purchased, it's about $150 per 24 hour period in addition to coach fare, and comes with 3 meals a day. If you have the extra cash and want to be guaranteed a good nights sleep, it's a good choice. - * You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s). There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this).	+ * don't be surprised if the train is late, possibly many hours late. Odds are good you'll be on time or close to it, but if there's some serious problem just chill out and + * bring a good book. + * bring snacks. Train food isn't all that great, and snacks will add variety. Snacks can also help you + * make friends. Amtrak lounge cars are full of lowly travelers of all ages and walks in life. In the diner you'll sit with other people. It's good times. + * bring creature comforts for a good night's sleep. Bring your own pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for a pillow, bring a blanket, and bring an old turtleneck you can furl up and tie around your head as a blindfold/earmuff. + * bring an extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and look in the third seat back. The outlet is s sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. + * expect a few crotchety onboard staff. They're on the trains for 4 or 6 days at a time, need to be on call 24-7, and they spent the last 8 years (Bush administration) with zero job security. Many of the folks with other skills left, and you can help make the current set of staff kind and courteous if you treat them that way. 90% of them are great, but you'll meet the 10% once in a while. + * Call Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) and ask Julie the automated voice for 'Train Status" to find out if your train is on time. Even if Julie says something like "the Starlight is expected in at 9:12AM, 2 hours and 22 minutes late..." be sure to be there at least a half hour before expected arrival. The Amtrak automatic delay calculator can have problems, and you're better off waiting an extra half hour at the Davis station than missing your train. + * Sleeping compartments can be purchased, it's about $150 per 24 hour period in addition to coach fare, and comes with 3 meals a day. If you have the extra cash and want to be guaranteed a good nights sleep, it's a good choice. + * You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s). There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this).
Line 88:	Line 88:
- * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $23.00 one-way (Aug. 2008). The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey. - Take Amtrak to Richmond Station, where you can then take the ["BART"] to Civic Center for a total of $23. It is quite simple to change between Amtrak and BART. Walk down the stairs from the Amtrak platform, walk through the station to the BART ticket machine, and take an escalator up to the BART platform. This option is quicker than taking the Amtrak coach into the city. - Amtrak now sells $10 BART cards for $8 on their snack car. And their snack car takes credit cards. - * If you take the Amtrak+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25(?) off the $1.50 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf.	+ * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $23.00 one-way (Aug. 2008). The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey. + Take Amtrak to Richmond Station, where you can then take the ["BART"] to Civic Center for a total of $23. It is quite simple to change between Amtrak and BART. Walk down the stairs from the Amtrak platform, walk through the station to the BART ticket machine, and take an escalator up to the BART platform. This option is quicker than taking the Amtrak coach into the city. + Amtrak now sells $10 BART cards for $8 on their snack car. And their snack car takes credit cards. + * If you take the Amtrak+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25(?) off the $1.50 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf.
Line 93:	Line 93:
- * A third, and slightly more expensive, but more scenic way into the city is to take Amtrak to Jack London Square and then catch the Oakland/Alameda Ferry. This drops you off at the ferry building and you can catch MUNI from there. This is a more leisurely way into the city and makes the travel part more interesting. - It is $6.25 each way for the ferry and $21.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay. - It is not a particularly fast way to travel since the two modes of transportation do not coordinate their schedules so there can be a sizable amount of wait time spent hanging around Jack London Square waiting for the ferry or the train back.	+ * A third, and slightly more expensive, but more scenic way into the city is to take Amtrak to Jack London Square and then catch the Oakland/Alameda Ferry. This drops you off at the ferry building and you can catch MUNI from there. This is a more leisurely way into the city and makes the travel part more interesting. + It is $6.25 each way for the ferry and $21.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay. + It is not a particularly fast way to travel since the two modes of transportation do not coordinate their schedules so there can be a sizable amount of wait time spent hanging around Jack London Square waiting for the ferry or the train back.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 01:13:57

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 4:	Line 4:
- [[Image(2trains.jpg, "here a westbound Capitol Corridor train is pulling into the station (left) as the eastbound California Zephyr is heading west toward Chicago", 360, right, thumbnail)]]	+ [[Image(2trains.jpg, "A westbound Capitol Corridor train is pulling into the station (left) as the eastbound California Zephyr (right) is heading east toward Chicago", 360, right, thumbnail)]]
Line 54:	Line 54:
- The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Il and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago.	+ The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Il and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. Timetable (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/jan09/P05.pdf
Line 56:	Line 56:
- The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours).	+ The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). Timetable (schedule with all stations and stop times) is at http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/P11.pdf

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 01:01:56

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 42:	Line 42:
- [[Image(CorridorLocomotiveFront.jpg, "A Westbound Capitol Corridor Train pulling into the station", left, thumbnail, 360)]]	+ [[Image(Zephyr.JPG, "Long distance trains are silver, red and blue, have 2 engines and about 10 "Superliner" cars. This is the California Zephyr stopping in Davis en route to Chicago", left, thumbnail, 360)]]
Line 50:	Line 50:
- - [[Image(Zephyr.jpg, "Long distance trains are silver, red and blue, have 2 engines and about 10 "Superliner" cars. This is the California Zephyr stopping in Davis en route to Chicago" right, thumbnail, 200)]]

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:58:01

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 51:	Line 51:
- [[Image(Zephyr.jpg, "Long distance trains are silver, red and blue, have 2 engines and about 10 cars. This is the California Zephyr stopping in Davis en route to Chicago" right, thumbnail, 200)]]	+ [[Image(Zephyr.jpg, "Long distance trains are silver, red and blue, have 2 engines and about 10 "Superliner" cars. This is the California Zephyr stopping in Davis en route to Chicago" right, thumbnail, 200)]] +
Line 85:	Line 86:
- [[Image(CapCor.jpg, ""passengers are waiting to board a westbound Capitol Corridor train" right, thumbnail, 360)]]	+ [[Image(CapCor.jpg, "passengers are waiting to board a westbound Capitol Corridor train to Oakland with a bus connection to San Francisco" thumbnail, 360)]]

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:55:41

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 4:	Line 4:
	+ [[Image(2trains.jpg, "here a westbound Capitol Corridor train is pulling into the station (left) as the eastbound California Zephyr is heading west toward Chicago", 360, right, thumbnail)]]
Line 50:	Line 51:
	+ [[Image(Zephyr.jpg, "Long distance trains are silver, red and blue, have 2 engines and about 10 cars. This is the California Zephyr stopping in Davis en route to Chicago" right, thumbnail, 200)]]
Line 72:	Line 74:
- * Sleeping compartments can be purchased, it's about $150 day in addition to coach fare, and comes with 3 meals a day. If you have the extra cash and want to be guaranteed a good nights sleep, it's a good choice.	+ * Sleeping compartments can be purchased, it's about $150 per 24 hour period in addition to coach fare, and comes with 3 meals a day. If you have the extra cash and want to be guaranteed a good nights sleep, it's a good choice.
Line 83:	Line 85:
	+ [[Image(CapCor.jpg, ""passengers are waiting to board a westbound Capitol Corridor train" right, thumbnail, 360)]]
Line 100:	Line 103:
- - A few national train routes pass through Davis as well. The Coast Starlight travels along the beautiful Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr originates in San Francisco and ends in Chicago. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but there are beautiful parts of the world only seen from ["Train Tracks" train tracks]. Take note, these national train lines do not come through each day like the Capitol Corridor. They come through once or twice a week only, and may stop in Davis only in the middle of the night. They also often get stuck behind railroad freight traffic, and as a result can be several hours late on occasion.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:49:40

Upload of image 2trains.jpg.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:49:21

Upload of image Zephyr.JPG.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:49:08

Upload of image CapCor.jpg.

Amtrak

TedBuehler — 2009-05-23 00:48:02

Added info about long-distance trains

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 22:	Line 22:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a medium-distance train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays and on weekends (by approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].	+ '''Amtrak''' offers two types of train service from Davis -- the "Capitol Corridor" service with trains about ever hour east to Sacramento and west to Oakland/San Jose, and the Long Distance service with one departure daily of the Coast Starlight (north to Portland and Seattle, south to Los Angeles), and the California Zephyr (east to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago). Capitol Corridor trains are the ones commonly seen in Davis, with blue orange and silver cars, about 5 cars long. Long distance trains are silver with red and blue stripes, have 2 engines, and 7-11 cars. + + The "Capitol Corridor" service is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a medium-distance train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays and on weekends (by approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. All Capitol Corridor trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"]. Capitol Corridor trains usually run on time. + + Long distance service has older trains, with amenities such as sleeper cars, lounges and diners. If you want to bring a bike you'll need to box it up (boxes are available at the station), you can check luggage, etc. Travel is often cheaper than airfare if you buy in advance (busy travel periods) or even if you don't (off-season). Long distance trains often run late (a lot can happen between Chicaco and Davis), but improvements were made in 2007 to both routes though Davis and now trains run routinely on time, or close to it.
Line 46:	Line 50:
- ==Baggage Claim== - *You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s).	+ ==Long Distance Trains== + Two long distance trains run through Davis. The Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr. + + The Zephyr runs between Chicago, Il and Emeryville, CA. It departs Davis at 10:31am going east, and arrives in Chicago at 3:50PM two days later. The Zephyr has great daytime scenery, crossing Donner Pass and the Colorado Rockies by day, and going across the desert and plains at night. Major cities include Reno, NV, Salt Lake City UT, Grand Junction, CO, Denver CO, Omaha NE, and Chicago Il. With connecting trains to New York and Washington DC from Chicago. + + The Starlight runs between Los Angeles and and Seattle, with great scenery along the coast from Ventura to north of Santa Barbara, and a spectacular crossing of Oregon's Cascade Range east of Eugene, OR. The Starlight runs at night from the Bay Area to Klamath Falls, OR, so you'll miss the great scenery around Mt. Shasta unless you travel during summer solstice. The Starlight leaves Davis at 11:33pm northbound to Seattle (arriving the next day at 8:45pm) and at 6:50am south to Los Angeles (arriving the same day at 9pm). Astute observers will note that this is a 14 hour train ride instead of a 6 hour drive, but you might also note that 1) you're not driving, 2) you're on the coast where track is curvy and scenery great. Major stops include Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Klamath Falls OR, Eugene OR, Portland OR, Olympia WA, and Seattle WA. With a connecting bus north to Vancouver BC (another 4 hours). + + Typical fares (bought a week in advance, as of May 2009) + * $85 Davis to Seattle + * $55 Davis to Los Angeles + * $68 Davis to Salt Lake City + * $145 Davis to Chicago + + Tips for long-distance travel. + * don't be surprised if the train is late, possibly many hours late. Odds are good you'll be on time or close to it, but if there's some serious problem just chill out and + * bring a good book. + * bring snacks. Train food isn't all that great, and snacks will add variety. Snacks can also help you + * make friends. Amtrak lounge cars are full of lowly travelers of all ages and walks in life. In the diner you'll sit with other people. It's good times. + * bring creature comforts for a good night's sleep. Bring your own pillowcase and stuff it with clothes for a pillow, bring a blanket, and bring an old turtleneck you can furl up and tie around your head as a blindfold/earmuff. + * bring an extension cord if you want to use a laptop. There's only one outlet in the coaches, to find it, go up the stairs, turn left, and look in the third seat back. The outlet is sometimes partially obscured by the seat in front, so you'll need to shave part of the flange off your plug to get it in. If you don't get a seat nearby, don't freak out, you can charge it in the lounge car, or sit downstairs at the door and charge it. + * expect a few crotchety onboard staff. They're on the trains for 4 or 6 days at a time, need to be on call 24-7, and they spent the last 8 years (Bush administration) with zero job security. Many of the folks with other skills left, and you can help make the current set of staff kind and courteous if you treat them that way. 90% of them are great, but you'll meet the 10% once in a while. + * Call Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) and ask Julie the automated voice for 'Train Status" to find out if your train is on time. Even if Julie says something like "the Starlight is expected in at 9:12AM, 2 hours and 22 minutes late..." be sure to be there at least a half hour before expected arrival. The Amtrak automatic delay calculator can have problems, and you're better off waiting an extra half hour at the Davis station than missing your train. + * Sleeping compartments can be purchased, it's about $150 day in addition to coach fare, and comes with 3 meals a day. If you have the extra cash and want to be guaranteed a good nights sleep, it's a good choice. + * You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s). There is a fee for checking bicycles, and you need a box (arrive early for this). + + If you've never taken a long trip in the US, it's a great time to do it if you live in Davis, one of a handful of towns in the western US with two different long distance trains. Take a trip to Klamath Falls, OR, Glenwood Springs CO, or San Luis Obispo, CA. It's a fun way to travel. Or if you're presenting at a conference in Seattle or Denver, go by train one way or both.

Amtrak

KellyM — 2009-02-26 22:54:30

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 23:	Line 23:
	+ + You can check the likelihood of your train being on time by going to the Amtrak website and clicking on "Historical On-Time Performance" directly under the Train Status box.

Amtrak

RussellReagan — 2008-09-30 22:50:50

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 23:	Line 23:
	+ + For more about how to get out of Davis by bus or train, see ["Transit Destinations"].

Amtrak

RussellReagan — 2008-09-22 08:10:17

Commuter trains run shorter distances, and C.C. trains carry many non-commuters.

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 22:	Line 22:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays and on weekends (by approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a medium-distance train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays and on weekends (by approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].

Amtrak

MichaelAWoods — 2008-09-18 21:08:22

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 31:	Line 31:
- * A one-way ticket to the Richmond Station is $18 (or $?? during summer) as of December 2007	+ * A one-way ticket to the Richmond Station is $18 (or $19 during summer 2008) as of December 2007

Amtrak

TimJ — 2008-08-14 13:33:47

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 29:	Line 29:
- * A one-way train ticket to San Jose costs $21	+ * A one-way train ticket to San Jose costs $28

Amtrak

JoePomidor — 2008-08-12 12:05:28

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 83:	Line 83:
	+ * Actually, the price of an Amtrak ticket to SF (One Way) is $23, whereas the price for driving (given the formula above) would be $8 in bridge fare and $24 in gas ''total''. Yes, $32>$23, but if you want to return to Davis via Amtrak then the ''total'' fare is going to be $46.--["Users/JoePomidor"]

Amtrak

JoePomidor — 2008-08-12 12:00:22

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 60:	Line 60:
- *It is $5.50 each way for the ferry and $17.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay.	+ *It is $6.25 each way for the ferry and $21.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay.

Amtrak

JoePomidor — 2008-08-12 11:58:12

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 55:	Line 55:
- *Take Amtrak to Richmond Station, where you can then take the ["BART"] to the middle of the city for a total of just over $17.50. It is quite simple to change between Amtrak and BART. Walk down the stairs from the Amtrak platform, walk through the station to the BART ticket machine, and take an escalator up to the BART platform. This option is quicker than taking the Amtrak coach into the city.	+ *Take Amtrak to Richmond Station, where you can then take the ["BART"] to Civic Center for a total of $23. It is quite simple to change between Amtrak and BART. Walk down the stairs from the Amtrak platform, walk through the station to the BART ticket machine, and take an escalator up to the BART platform. This option is quicker than taking the Amtrak coach into the city.

Amtrak

JoePomidor — 2008-08-12 11:55:47

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 54:	Line 54:
- * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $22.00 one-way (June 2008). The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey.	+ * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $23.00 one-way (Aug. 2008). The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey.

Amtrak

Dora5 — 2008-08-12 11:50:30

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 81:	Line 81:
	+ + This section needs to be modified given the increase in gas prices - the above estimation assumes $2/gallon gas and it is twice as much. The argument for using public transit has now shifted: whereas before it was mostly for reasons of principles and avoiding hassle, now we must include the fact that it is, indeed, cheaper.

Amtrak

MaryLieth — 2008-07-12 20:59:55

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 22:	Line 22:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays and on weekends (by approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].
Line 28:	Line 28:
- * A one-way train ticket to Sacramento costs $5.50	+ * A one-way train ticket to ["Sacramento"] costs $5.50
Line 32:	Line 32:
- * A one-way ticket to Jack London Square in Oakland is $17	+ * A one-way ticket to Jack London Square in ["Oakland"] is $17
Line 69:	Line 69:
- A few national train routes pass through Davis as well. The Coastal Starlight travels along the beautiful Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr originates in San Francisco and ends in Chicago. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but there are beautiful parts of the world only seen from ["Train Tracks" train tracks]. Take note, these national train lines do not come through each day like the Capitol Corridor. They come through once or twice a week only.	+ A few national train routes pass through Davis as well. The Coast Starlight travels along the beautiful Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr originates in San Francisco and ends in Chicago. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but there are beautiful parts of the world only seen from ["Train Tracks" train tracks]. Take note, these national train lines do not come through each day like the Capitol Corridor. They come through once or twice a week only, and may stop in Davis only in the middle of the night. They also often get stuck behind railroad freight traffic, and as a result can be several hours late on occasion.
Line 72:	Line 72:
- Amtrak offers a "California Rail Pass" that allows someone to take 7 train trips in a 21 day period. The cost if $159 (as of 7/1/08) and can only be applied to journey segments within California. If you travel outside of California, then you can use the pass towards the segment of your journey that contains the last stop in California.	+ Amtrak offers a "California Rail Pass" that allows someone to take 7 train trips in a 21 day period. The cost is $159 (as of 7/1/08) and can only be applied to journey segments within California. If you travel outside of California, then you can use the pass towards the segment of your journey that contains the last stop in California.
Line 74:	Line 74:
- Amtrak also offers multi-ride and monthly pass tickets for the Capitol Corridor. As of 7/1/08 10 ride and montly tickets between Sacramento and Davis cost $43 and $116, respectively. Between Davis and San Jose a 10 ride is $165 and a monthly is $445. Between Davis and Oakland (Jack London Square) a 10 ride is $119 and a monthly is $322.	+ Amtrak also offers multi-ride and monthly pass tickets for the Capitol Corridor. As of 7/1/08 10 ride and monthly tickets between Sacramento and Davis cost $43 and $116, respectively. Between Davis and San Jose a 10 ride is $165 and a monthly is $445. Between Davis and Oakland (Jack London Square) a 10 ride is $119 and a monthly is $322.
Line 78:	Line 78:
- * When traveling on the Capitol Corridor, be sure to ask for a transfer. The conductor will give each passenger two free transfers that are good for the next two days on a variety of transit agencies, including AC Transit (incl. the transbay service,) San Jose's VTA, Unitrans, Yolobus and Sacramento Regional Transit. - * All Amtrak trains are equipped with power outlets, and many, especially the Capitol Corridor trains, have desks. It's a good idea to bringa laptop to do work or watch movies on. A headphone splitter can be procured from RadioShack for under $5 allowing you to watch a movie with your honey. - * In most automobiles, you're going to use 3 gallons of gas (@30mpg) each way (=$6), plus tolls ($3 each way). So, it is still cheaper to drive yourself. But it is usually faster to take the Train because of no traffic. And I'd usually pay the extra $6 to avoid Traffic. And actually if you're stuck in traffic, your Gas Mileage will be actually much worse. And if you drive a 5.7L V-8 Truck, it's more cost effective to take the train anyway. I just wish BART and Amtrak ran later. -["JaimeRaba" jr] - * Aren't tolls only one way? They are for me, at least. -["AndreyGoder"]	+ * When traveling on the Capitol Corridor, be sure to ask for a transfer. The conductor will give each passenger two free transfers that are good for the next two days on a variety of transit agencies, including AC Transit (incl. the transbay service,) San Jose's VTA, ["Unitrans"], ["Yolobus"] and Sacramento Regional Transit. + * All Amtrak trains are equipped with power outlets, and many, especially the Capitol Corridor trains, have desks. It's a good idea to bring a laptop to do work or watch movies on. A headphone splitter can be procured from RadioShack for under $5 allowing you to watch a movie with your honey. + * In most automobiles, you're going to use 3 gallons of gas (@30mpg) each way (=$6), plus tolls ($3 each way). So, it is still cheaper to drive yourself. But it is usually faster to take the Train because of no traffic. And I'd usually pay the extra $6 to avoid Traffic. And actually if you're stuck in traffic, your Gas Mileage will be actually much worse. And if you drive a 5.7L V-8 Truck, it's more cost effective to take the train anyway. I just wish BART and Amtrak ran later. -["Users/JaimeRaba" jr] + * Aren't tolls only one way? They are for me, at least. -["Users/AndreyGoder"]
Line 84:	Line 84:
- * If you're traveling on Amtrak, always plan to arrive at your destination 1/2 hour late. I don't know why it happens, but it does.--["KenBloom"] - * But do not arrive late to the ["Train Station"] because the train may show up a couple minutes early, it happened to me at the ["Bay Area" Santa Clara] station when I was coming back to ["Davis"]. I watched my train leave without me stranding me in Sunnyvale. - ["RobRoy"] - * Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance (they are good for about a month), especially if you plan on catching an evening Friday train. Those trains are lousy with undergrads carrying huge bags of dirty laundry home and the ticket line will stretch to infinity. The Emeryville - SF coach drivers have a variety of interesting personalities. Take notes and emerge with the backbones for a sociology paper. - ["TaliaJewell"] - * Actually, tickets are good for 6 months. Anyway, I highly recommend using BART to get to San Francisco instead of the Amtrak shuttle. The last (and only time) I used the shuttle, they charged me roughly 2 tickets for a single trip. - ["StephenHo"]	+ * If you're traveling on Amtrak, always plan to arrive at your destination 1/2 hour late. I don't know why it happens, but it does.--["Users/KenBloom"] + * But do not arrive late to the ["Train Station"] because the train may show up a couple minutes early, it happened to me at the ["Bay Area" Santa Clara] station when I was coming back to ["Davis"]. I watched my train leave without me stranding me in Sunnyvale. - ["Users/RobRoy"] + * Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance (they are good for about a month), especially if you plan on catching an evening Friday train. Those trains are lousy with undergrads carrying huge bags of dirty laundry home and the ticket line will stretch to infinity. The Emeryville - SF coach drivers have a variety of interesting personalities. Take notes and emerge with the backbones for a sociology paper. - ["Users/TaliaJewell"] + * Actually, tickets are good for 6 months. Anyway, I highly recommend using BART to get to San Francisco instead of the Amtrak shuttle. The last (and only time) I used the shuttle, they charged me roughly 2 tickets for a single trip. - ["Users/StephenHo"]
Line 90:	Line 90:
- b) Only work on the days specified that you want to travel on. (No in-and-out privileges everybody) - ["MartySmith"] - * If you're traveling on Amtrak from Davis to Oakland, you will surprisingly arrive about 10 minutes early at your destination. You can almost bet on it. I've taken this train route about 15 times now from october 2004 to april 2005. The only time it has been not early or late has been during bad weather (e.g. heavy rain).--["PatrickSing"] - * Well, during rush hour, I find myself beating my friends (who go to SF by car by) about 30-60 minutes-- and they're even in the carpool lane! I do the Richmond Amtrak+BART combo. --["JaimeRaba"]	+ b) Only work on the days specified that you want to travel on. (No in-and-out privileges everybody) - ["Users/MartySmith"] + * If you're traveling on Amtrak from Davis to Oakland, you will surprisingly arrive about 10 minutes early at your destination. You can almost bet on it. I've taken this train route about 15 times now from october 2004 to april 2005. The only time it has been not early or late has been during bad weather (e.g. heavy rain).--["Users/PatrickSing"] + * Well, during rush hour, I find myself beating my friends (who go to SF by car by) about 30-60 minutes-- and they're even in the carpool lane! I do the Richmond Amtrak+BART combo. --["Users/JaimeRaba"]
Line 94:	Line 94:
- *I do not believe that the Muni transfer ticket value went up with the price. I still had to pay $1.25 when I blew into town. - ["MartySmith"]	+ *I do not believe that the Muni transfer ticket value went up with the price. I still had to pay $1.25 when I blew into town. - ["Users/MartySmith"]
Line 96:	Line 96:
- * Not infrequently, I've experienced delays on the San Jose - Sacramento line due to the fact that freight trains apparently have priority over Amtrak trains (I hear Amtrak doesn't own the tracks). Once I arrived over '''five hours late''' in Davis because of that! --["JoFeuerstein"] - * I agree, going to San Jose direct from Sacramento / Davis on the Capitols line always seems to have a delay. I recently was supposed to board a train in davis at 7am and arrive at 10, turns out right when I was leaving for the station at 6:30 I get a call saying the train was 4 hours late ...wonderful. --["ManiGandham"] - * Update - I'm glad I didnt get on this train, turns out it was more than 8 hours late by the time it got to san jose. --["ManiGandham"]	+ * Not infrequently, I've experienced delays on the San Jose - Sacramento line due to the fact that freight trains apparently have priority over Amtrak trains (I hear Amtrak doesn't own the tracks). Once I arrived over '''five hours late''' in Davis because of that! --["Users/JoFeuerstein"] + * I agree, going to San Jose direct from Sacramento / Davis on the Capitols line always seems to have a delay. I recently was supposed to board a train in davis at 7am and arrive at 10, turns out right when I was leaving for the station at 6:30 I get a call saying the train was 4 hours late ...wonderful. --["Users/ManiGandham"] + * Update - I'm glad I didnt get on this train, turns out it was more than 8 hours late by the time it got to san jose. --["Users/ManiGandham"]
Line 100:	Line 100:
- * I absolutely agree with Bruce Schneier that it is a considerable privacy invasion to store every traveler's driver's license number. That said, the system doesn't even work properly: The conductors only check your ID when you buy the ticket, not when you travel. So they actually never know who travels; you could have somebody buy the ticket for you. So we pay with our privacy (and a bit of money) for some BS system that doesn't even work. --["JoFeuerstein"] - * Amtrak does actually check ID's, just not regularly, on its trains. On the Coast Starlight, and on the Zephyr, I have had my ID checked every time. It has only been on the Capitol Corridor that I find the ID checks to be infrequent. --["RichardCarrillo"]	+ * I absolutely agree with Bruce Schneier that it is a considerable privacy invasion to store every traveler's driver's license number. That said, the system doesn't even work properly: The conductors only check your ID when you buy the ticket, not when you travel. So they actually never know who travels; you could have somebody buy the ticket for you. So we pay with our privacy (and a bit of money) for some BS system that doesn't even work. --["Users/JoFeuerstein"] + * Amtrak does actually check ID's, just not regularly, on its trains. On the Coast Starlight, and on the Zephyr, I have had my ID checked every time. It has only been on the Capitol Corridor that I find the ID checks to be infrequent. --["Users/RichardCarrillo"]
Line 104:	Line 104:
- I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, maybe it has nothing at all to do with security, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason. I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. --["NickSchmalenberger"] - * Your argument makes no sense to me. You say that it's not necessarily pointless for Amtrak to record personally identifying information (such as ID numbers) at point of sale - because they "[have] their own reasons for doing this"? So, is it OK for any government or corporate entity to abuse any individual as long as they have a reason? Shouldn't it be a good reason - one that the governed populace gives informed consent to? --["GrahamFreeman"]	+ I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, maybe it has nothing at all to do with security, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason. I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. --["Users/NickSchmalenberger"] + * Your argument makes no sense to me. You say that it's not necessarily pointless for Amtrak to record personally identifying information (such as ID numbers) at point of sale - because they "[have] their own reasons for doing this"? So, is it OK for any government or corporate entity to abuse any individual as long as they have a reason? Shouldn't it be a good reason - one that the governed populace gives informed consent to? --["Users/GrahamFreeman"]
Line 107:	Line 107:
- The Capitol Corridor route has quite consistently been delayed, when I was aboard, between Richmond and Martinez (the portion of the route that follows the shoreline). I would advise anybody planning a trip between Davis and the Bay, on this line, to expect a journey 15-25 minutes longer than that which is advertised (1hr 10min, for Richmond<>Davis), for both directions. --["LeonardMarque"]	+ The Capitol Corridor route has quite consistently been delayed, when I was aboard, between Richmond and Martinez (the portion of the route that follows the shoreline). I would advise anybody planning a trip between Davis and the Bay, on this line, to expect a journey 15-25 minutes longer than that which is advertised (1hr 10min, for Richmond<>Davis), for both directions. --["Users/LeonardMarque"]

Amtrak

briangoldner — 2008-07-01 13:55:28

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 78:	Line 78:
	+ * When traveling on the Capitol Corridor, be sure to ask for a transfer. The conductor will give each passenger two free transfers that are good for the next two days on a variety of transit agencies, including AC Transit (incl. the transbay service,) San Jose's VTA, Unitrans, Yolobus and Sacramento Regional Transit. + * All Amtrak trains are equipped with power outlets, and many, especially the Capitol Corridor trains, have desks. It's a good idea to bringa laptop to do work or watch movies on. A headphone splitter can be procured from RadioShack for under $5 allowing you to watch a movie with your honey.

Amtrak

briangoldner — 2008-07-01 13:50:15

added multi-ride ticket info

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 71:	Line 71:
	+ ==Rail Passes & Multi-Rides== + Amtrak offers a "California Rail Pass" that allows someone to take 7 train trips in a 21 day period. The cost if $159 (as of 7/1/08) and can only be applied to journey segments within California. If you travel outside of California, then you can use the pass towards the segment of your journey that contains the last stop in California. + + Amtrak also offers multi-ride and monthly pass tickets for the Capitol Corridor. As of 7/1/08 10 ride and montly tickets between Sacramento and Davis cost $43 and $116, respectively. Between Davis and San Jose a 10 ride is $165 and a monthly is $445. Between Davis and Oakland (Jack London Square) a 10 ride is $119 and a monthly is $322. + +

Amtrak

AlexQuan — 2008-06-12 22:25:37

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 54:	Line 54:
- * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $17.00 one-way. The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey.	+ * Take Amtrak to Emeryville, and take Amtrak coach to San Francisco for $22.00 one-way (June 2008). The coach stops at the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial Center, Union Square, the Moscone Center and finally the CalTrain station on 4th and Townsend Streets. This option allows you to buy just one ticket for your entire journey.

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2008-06-12 21:52:32

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 49:	Line 49:
- Of course, you'll be expected to show ID if you choose to purchase alcohol from the snack bar. You're not allowed to bring your own personal alcohol on the train, but it's doubtful they'll notice if it's one of the same brands.	+ Of course, you'll be expected to show ID if you choose to purchase alcohol from the snack bar. You're not allowed to bring your own personal alcohol on the train, but it's doubtful they'll notice if it's one of the same brands (which include Sierra Nevada and Corona).

Amtrak

KellyM — 2007-12-21 23:15:37

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 100:	Line 100:
	+ * I take the Capitol Corridor to work one morning every week. On average, it is not delayed. However, unexpected delays DO happen and I do not have statistics on it. --["Users/KellyM"]

Amtrak

KellyM — 2007-12-21 23:10:44

(quick edit)

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 31:	Line 31:
- * A one-way ticket to the Richmond Station is $14 (or $15 during summer)	+ * A one-way ticket to the Richmond Station is $18 (or $?? during summer) as of December 2007

Amtrak

LeonardMarque — 2007-03-05 00:44:23

timeliness woes

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 98:	Line 98:
	+ + The Capitol Corridor route has quite consistently been delayed, when I was aboard, between Richmond and Martinez (the portion of the route that follows the shoreline). I would advise anybody planning a trip between Davis and the Bay, on this line, to expect a journey 15-25 minutes longer than that which is advertised (1hr 10min, for Richmond<>Davis), for both directions. --["LeonardMarque"]

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2007-01-23 19:43:38

Addition of pictures

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 1:	Line 1:
	+ [[Image(DavisTrainSignOld.jpg, right, thumbnail, 360)]]
Line 32:	Line 33:
	+ [[Image(CorridorLocomotiveFront.jpg, "A Westbound Capitol Corridor Train pulling into the station", left, thumbnail, 360)]] +

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2007-01-23 19:13:53

Upload of image CorridorLocomotiveFront.jpg.

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2007-01-23 19:12:53

Upload of image DavisTrainSignOld.jpg.

Amtrak

SteveDavison — 2007-01-13 11:52:58

minor -typos

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 61:	Line 61:
- Amtrak is a great way to get to Yosemite to have an ["adventures" adventure]. The trip requires a minimum of two transfers. Riders pick up the Amtrak bus at the Davis station, swing through Sacramento and then transfer to a train in Stockton. Disembarking in Merced, you will move a few steps on to a [http://yarts.com/ YARTS] bus that takes you to Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The morning YARTS bus is usually a tour bus for [http://www.grayline.com/ Grayline Tours] so you get to listen to the tour guide for free. The entire trip takes a minimum of 5 hours (6+ hours being typical if one has to wait for transfers). Included in the cost is the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle) which can be seen as a substantial discount to travel. Amtrak charges $41 (one way) if you book the entire trip through them. You can save money by purchasing the Amtrak and YARTS legs seperately. Amtrak to/from Merced costs $25 and the YARTS ride will set you back $10 for a savings of $6 each way.	+ Amtrak is a great way to get to Yosemite to have an ["adventures" adventure]. The trip requires a minimum of two transfers. Riders pick up the Amtrak bus at the Davis station, swing through Sacramento and then transfer to a train in Stockton. Disembarking in Merced, you will move a few steps on to a [http://yarts.com/ YARTS] bus that takes you to Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The morning YARTS bus is usually a tour bus for [http://www.grayline.com/ Grayline Tours] so you get to listen to the tour guide for free. The entire trip takes a minimum of 5 hours (6+ hours being typical if one has to wait for transfers). Included in the cost is the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle) which can be seen as a substantial discount to travel. Amtrak charges $41 (one way) if you book the entire trip through them. You can save money by purchasing the Amtrak and YARTS legs separately. Amtrak to/from Merced costs $25 and the YARTS ride will set you back $10 for a savings of $6 each way.
Line 89:	Line 89:
- * I absolutely agree with Bruce Schneier that it is a considerable privacy invasion to store every traveller's driver's license number. That said, the system doesn't even work properly: The conductors only check your ID when you buy the ticket, not when you travel. So they actually never know who travels; you could have somebody buy the ticket for you. So we pay with our privacy (and a bit of money) for some BS system that doesn't even work. --["JoFeuerstein"]	+ * I absolutely agree with Bruce Schneier that it is a considerable privacy invasion to store every traveler's driver's license number. That said, the system doesn't even work properly: The conductors only check your ID when you buy the ticket, not when you travel. So they actually never know who travels; you could have somebody buy the ticket for you. So we pay with our privacy (and a bit of money) for some BS system that doesn't even work. --["JoFeuerstein"]
Line 91:	Line 91:
- * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor.	+ * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what would they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor.

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-15 14:52:41

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 39:	Line 39:
- ==Baggage Claim Cost==	+ ==Baggage Claim==

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-15 14:51:54

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 33:	Line 33:
- Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases, some exclusively online) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage, as well as [http://www.isic.org ISIC]. ISIC IDs can be purchased at ["STA Travel"], for instance.	+ Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases, some exclusively online) are available through [http://www.aaa.com AAA] and [http://studentadvantage.com/discountcard/ Student Advantage], as well as [http://www.isic.org ISIC]. ISIC IDs can be purchased at ["STA Travel"], for instance.
Line 35:	Line 35:
- The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here]	+ The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount and [http://www.aaa.com AAA] members get 10% off of your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here]
Line 40:	Line 40:
- *You can check any baggage up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for 24 hours. Remember to have your tickets and ID for claim.	+ *You can check any baggage item up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for each 24 hour period (per item). Remember to have your tickets and ID for claiming your bag(s).

Amtrak

NickSchmalenberger — 2006-11-12 20:45:43

prune, reorg

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 33:	Line 33:
- ===Baggage Claim Cost===	+ Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases, some exclusively online) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage, as well as [http://www.isic.org ISIC]. ISIC IDs can be purchased at ["STA Travel"], for instance. + + The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here] + + Various passes and multiple ride tickets are available. + + ==Baggage Claim Cost==
Line 35:	Line 41:
- - Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases, some exclusively online) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage, as well as [http://www.isic.org ISIC]. ISIC IDs can be purchased at ["STA Travel"], for instance.
Line 64:	Line 68:
- ==Discount Methods== - * Hey kids! Still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance. - * No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here] - * Commuter? Ask the attendant about ticket books with 10 tickets good for a whole month!

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-12 20:08:14

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 65:	Line 65:
- * Hey kids, still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance.	+ * Hey kids! Still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance.

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-07 21:47:58

Changed list format for discounts

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 65:	Line 65:
- 1) Hey kids, still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance. - 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here] - 3) Commuter? Ask the attendant about ticket books with 10 tickets good for a whole month!	+ * Hey kids, still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance. + * No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here] + * Commuter? Ask the attendant about ticket books with 10 tickets good for a whole month!

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-07 21:45:47

link to station page on amtrak.com

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 66:	Line 66:
- 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com].	+ 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com] or at a staffed Amtrak station, which can be found [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Stations_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922212&ssid=5 here]

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-11-07 21:37:15

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 32:	Line 32:
	+ + ===Baggage Claim Cost=== + *You can check any baggage up to 40lbs. in weight. $2 for 24 hours. Remember to have your tickets and ID for claim.

Amtrak

JasonAller — 2006-11-04 13:34:08

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 1:	Line 1:
	+ [[Image(Amtrak_Sign.JPG, right, thumbnail, 360)]]
Line 5:	Line 6:
- \|\|Note: '''Parking permit required!''' See station agent before your train arrives.\|\|	+ \|\|Note: '''Parking permit required!'''\|\| + \|\|See station agent before your train arrives.\|\|

Amtrak

JasonAller — 2006-11-04 13:33:19

Upload of image Amtrak_Sign.JPG.

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-10-31 21:48:12

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 61:	Line 61:
- 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare.	+ 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare if you book three days ahead at [http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com].

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-10-30 15:41:52

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 59:	Line 59:
	+ ==Discount Methods== + 1) Hey kids, still have that AAA card your mom or dad gave you and think it's useless? Well, if you haven't tossed it, you can get a 10% discount on all your tickets. That is, given the fact that you have the foresight to buy your tickets 3+ days in advance. + 2) No AAA Card? The [http://www.studentadvantage.com Student Advantage Card] gives a 15% discount for your rail fare. + 3) Commuter? Ask the attendant about ticket books with 10 tickets good for a whole month!

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-10-30 15:30:38

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 68:	Line 68:
	+ *Tickets during the holiday rushes (Thanksgiving, X-Mas, and Easter) + a) Cost more than normal + b) Only work on the days specified that you want to travel on. (No in-and-out privileges everybody) - ["MartySmith"]

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-10-30 15:26:30

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 57:	Line 57:
- A few national train routes pass through Davis as well. The Coastal Starlight travels along the beautiful Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr originates in San Francisco and ends in Chicago. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but there are beautiful parts of the world only seen from ["Train Tracks" train tracks].	+ A few national train routes pass through Davis as well. The Coastal Starlight travels along the beautiful Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr originates in San Francisco and ends in Chicago. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but there are beautiful parts of the world only seen from ["Train Tracks" train tracks]. Take note, these national train lines do not come through each day like the Capitol Corridor. They come through once or twice a week only.

Amtrak

MartySmith — 2006-10-30 15:24:11

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 71:	Line 71:
	+ *I do not believe that the Muni transfer ticket value went up with the price. I still had to pay $1.25 when I blew into town. - ["MartySmith"]

Amtrak

ManiGandham — 2006-07-02 00:45:38

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 74:	Line 74:
	+ * Update - I'm glad I didnt get on this train, turns out it was more than 8 hours late by the time it got to san jose. --["ManiGandham"]

Amtrak

ManiGandham — 2006-06-30 05:33:23

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 73:	Line 73:
	+ * I agree, going to San Jose direct from Sacramento / Davis on the Capitols line always seems to have a delay. I recently was supposed to board a train in davis at 7am and arrive at 10, turns out right when I was leaving for the station at 6:30 I get a call saying the train was 4 hours late ...wonderful. --["ManiGandham"]

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2006-05-27 02:33:32

parking

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 5:	Line 5:
	+ \|\|Note: '''Parking permit required!''' See station agent before your train arrives.\|\|

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2006-05-21 22:34:18

better link for inane ID requirements

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 34:	Line 34:
- Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.	+ Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/IDrequirements.html requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.
Line 51:	Line 51:
- Amtrak is a great way to get to Yosemite to have an ["adventures" adventure]. The trip requires a minimum of two transfers. Riders pick up the Amtrak bus at the Davis station, swing through Sacramento and then transfer to a train in Stockton. Disembarking in Merced, you will move a few steps on to a [http://yarts.com/ YARTS] bus that takes you to Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The morning YARTS bus is usually a tour bus for [http://www.grayline.com/ Grayline Tours] so you get to listen to the tour guide for free. The entire trip takes a minimum of 5 hours (6+ hours being typical if one has to wait for transfers). Included in the cost is the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle) which can be seen as a substantial discount to travel. Amtrak charges $41 (one way) if you book the entire trip through them. You can save money by purchasing the Amtrak and YARTS legs seperately. Amtrak to/from Merced costs $25 and the YARTS ride will set you back $10 for a savings of $6 each way. -	+ Amtrak is a great way to get to Yosemite to have an ["adventures" adventure]. The trip requires a minimum of two transfers. Riders pick up the Amtrak bus at the Davis station, swing through Sacramento and then transfer to a train in Stockton. Disembarking in Merced, you will move a few steps on to a [http://yarts.com/ YARTS] bus that takes you to Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The morning YARTS bus is usually a tour bus for [http://www.grayline.com/ Grayline Tours] so you get to listen to the tour guide for free. The entire trip takes a minimum of 5 hours (6+ hours being typical if one has to wait for transfers). Included in the cost is the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle) which can be seen as a substantial discount to travel. Amtrak charges $41 (one way) if you book the entire trip through them. You can save money by purchasing the Amtrak and YARTS legs seperately. Amtrak to/from Merced costs $25 and the YARTS ride will set you back $10 for a savings of $6 each way. +
Line 75:	Line 75:
- * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor.	+ * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor.

Amtrak

PhilipNeustrom — 2006-04-19 17:54:03

combined nick's two comments into one

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- [[Thumbnail(amtrak_past_gardens.jpg, 360, right, "An Amtrak train rushes along the ["Train Tracks" tracks] past the ["Solano Park Gardens"]. Photo from September 2005.")]]	+ [[Image(amtrak_past_gardens.jpg, "An Amtrak train rushes along the ["Train Tracks" tracks] past the ["Solano Park Gardens"]. Photo from September 2005.", 360, right, thumbnail)]]
Line 75:	Line 75:
- * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor. -["NickSchmalenberger"] - * Nick, your argument makes no sense to me. You say that it's not necessarily pointless for Amtrak to record personally identifying information (such as ID numbers) at point of sale - because they "[have] their own reasons for doing this"? So, is it OK for any government or corporate entity to abuse any individual as long as they have a reason? Shouldn't it be a good reason - one that the governed populace gives informed consent to? --["GrahamFreeman"] - * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, maybe it has nothing at all to do with security, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason. I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]	+ * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor. + + I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, maybe it has nothing at all to do with security, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason. I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. --["NickSchmalenberger"] + * Your argument makes no sense to me. You say that it's not necessarily pointless for Amtrak to record personally identifying information (such as ID numbers) at point of sale - because they "[have] their own reasons for doing this"? So, is it OK for any government or corporate entity to abuse any individual as long as they have a reason? Shouldn't it be a good reason - one that the governed populace gives informed consent to? --["GrahamFreeman"]

Amtrak

NickSchmalenberger — 2006-04-19 17:38:43

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- * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason, so I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]	+ * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, maybe it has nothing at all to do with security, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason. I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]

Amtrak

NickSchmalenberger — 2006-04-19 17:36:48

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- * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason, so I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]	+ * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason, so I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. Also, I think the second Bruce Schneier article is very sensible, thank you for pointing me to it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]

Amtrak

RichardCarrillo — 2006-04-19 17:33:55

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	+ * Amtrak does actually check ID's, just not regularly, on its trains. On the Coast Starlight, and on the Zephyr, I have had my ID checked every time. It has only been on the Capitol Corridor that I find the ID checks to be infrequent. --["RichardCarrillo"]

Amtrak

NickSchmalenberger — 2006-04-19 17:24:01

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	+ * I'm just saying I don't know why Amtrak is doing it, but I don't think they are stupid or would want to hassle customers without reason, so I presume they have some reason that is good for them, and I for one don't have a problem with this. If an individual doesn't like that, they don't have to buy a ticket from a conductor. As ["JoFeuerstein"] pointed out, there are some alternatives. Anyway, what it comes down to is that Amtrak can sell whatever they want however they want if it is legal, and if people still don't like it they don't have to buy it. -["NickSchmalenberger"]

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2006-04-19 17:11:06

response to Nick re: privacy

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	+ * Nick, your argument makes no sense to me. You say that it's not necessarily pointless for Amtrak to record personally identifying information (such as ID numbers) at point of sale - because they "[have] their own reasons for doing this"? So, is it OK for any government or corporate entity to abuse any individual as long as they have a reason? Shouldn't it be a good reason - one that the governed populace gives informed consent to? --["GrahamFreeman"]

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2006-04-19 17:02:11

better Schneier URL re: privacy + ID

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- Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2004/11/amtrak_security.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.	+ Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/essay-008.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.

Amtrak

NickSchmalenberger — 2006-04-19 16:26:24

reply to privacy comment

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	+ * The Bruce Schneier web page says Amtrak will have random id checks, which I agree would be pointless, because as he says, terrorists are as likely to have ids as anyone else, and then, what whould they be looking for? However, taking drivers license numbers at the time of buying a ticket from a conductor is not necessarily pointless. It does tell them the drivers license numbers of everybody who bought a ticket from a conductor, and I presume Amtrak has their own reasons for doing this. If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket from a conductor. -["NickSchmalenberger"]

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-04-18 21:20:23

Differences for Amtrak

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Line 18:	Line 18:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. 110 V power outlets are available at many seats on the Capitol Corridor trains. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-04-18 21:19:12

taking a bike aboard is included

Differences for Amtrak

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Line 18:	Line 18:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination at no extra charge. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-04-18 21:16:54

Added comment regarding privacy

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- * Not infrequently, I've experienced delays on the San Jose - Sacramento line due to the fact that freight trains apparently have priority over Amtrak trains (I hear Amtrak doesn't own the tracks). Once I arrived over '''five hours late''' in Davis because of that!	+ + * Not infrequently, I've experienced delays on the San Jose - Sacramento line due to the fact that freight trains apparently have priority over Amtrak trains (I hear Amtrak doesn't own the tracks). Once I arrived over '''five hours late''' in Davis because of that! --["JoFeuerstein"] + + * I absolutely agree with Bruce Schneier that it is a considerable privacy invasion to store every traveller's driver's license number. That said, the system doesn't even work properly: The conductors only check your ID when you buy the ticket, not when you travel. So they actually never know who travels; you could have somebody buy the ticket for you. So we pay with our privacy (and a bit of money) for some BS system that doesn't even work. --["JoFeuerstein"]

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-04-18 21:08:55

Added horror story (train 5hrs late) + ISIC discount

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Line 70:	Line 70:
	+ * Not infrequently, I've experienced delays on the San Jose - Sacramento line due to the fact that freight trains apparently have priority over Amtrak trains (I hear Amtrak doesn't own the tracks). Once I arrived over '''five hours late''' in Davis because of that!

Amtrak

JoFeuerstein — 2006-04-18 21:03:52

Differences for Amtrak

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Line 30:	Line 30:
- Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage.	+ Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases, some exclusively online) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage, as well as [http://www.isic.org ISIC]. ISIC IDs can be purchased at ["STA Travel"], for instance.
Line 34:	Line 34:
- Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Shneier [http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2004/11/amtrak_security.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.	+ Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Schneier [http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2004/11/amtrak_security.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks.
Line 44:	Line 44:
- * If you take the AMTRAK+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25(?) off the $1.50 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf.	+ * If you take the Amtrak+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25(?) off the $1.50 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf.

Amtrak

ArlenAbraham — 2006-04-05 12:54:54

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	+ \|\|(877)974-3322 Capitol Corridor specific number\|\|

Amtrak

DussonYeung — 2006-01-15 05:15:43

Added Amtrak Shuttle

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Line 14:	Line 14:
- \|\|[http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com]\|\|	+ \|\|[http://www.capitolcorridor.org www.capitolcorridor.org]\|\| + \|\|[http://www.amtrak.com www.amtrak.com]\|\|
Line 16:	Line 17:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination.	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination. If you are returning to Davis, the ["Amtrak Shuttle"] is an excellent way to go home after getting off at the ["Train Station"].

Amtrak

PhilipNeustrom — 2005-12-30 01:07:30

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- Of course, you'll be expected to show ID if you choose to purchase alcohol from the snack bar.	+ Of course, you'll be expected to show ID if you choose to purchase alcohol from the snack bar. You're not allowed to bring your own personal alcohol on the train, but it's doubtful they'll notice if it's one of the same brands.

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2005-12-30 01:05:21

links; updated wifi info; removed/rephrased redundant ID info

Differences for Amtrak

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Line 16:	Line 16:
- '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the Capitol Corridor. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have "free" ["WiFi"], but they might start charging. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination.	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have [http://www.capitolcorridor.org/aboard_the_train/wi_fi.php WiFi], but this costs money. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination.
Line 33:	Line 33:
- * While definitely a concern, I have only been asked to show ID when buying a ticket from a person. I have never been asked for an ID on the train (unless buying alcohol at the snack bar, of course).	+ + Of course, you'll be expected to show ID if you choose to purchase alcohol from the snack bar.

Amtrak

JessicaLuedtke — 2005-11-23 17:11:14

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Line 33:	Line 33:
	+ * While definitely a concern, I have only been asked to show ID when buying a ticket from a person. I have never been asked for an ID on the train (unless buying alcohol at the snack bar, of course).

Amtrak

GrahamFreeman — 2005-11-23 16:48:08

Privacy and ID

Differences for Amtrak

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
Line 30:	Line 30:
	+ == Privacy Considerations == + + Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554204&ssid=342 requires] all of its adult passengers to show government-issued photo ID when asked, and they will actually go so far as to enter in your ID number (driving license, state ID, passport) into their computer system if you buy from a human at the counter. Security expert Bruce Shneier [http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2004/11/amtrak_security.html explains why this is silly]. You probably can't avoid being forced to show your ID without being branded a terrorist (because, as we all know, only terrorists refuse to show ID) but you can avoid having your ID number entered in to their computer system if you purchase tickets online or from the kiosks. +
Line 31:	Line 35:
	+

Amtrak

JosephBleckman — 2005-09-23 15:14:11

MUNI fare rose on September 1st.

Differences for Amtrak

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Line 35:	Line 35:
- * If you take the AMTRAK+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25 off the $1.25 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf.	+ * If you take the AMTRAK+Bart route, you can also get a BART Transfer for the MUNI system, which saves you $.25(?) off the $1.50 fair, even on their rail lines, such as the F-Line, which goes to Embarcadero/Fisherman's Wharf. +
Line 59:	Line 60:
-	+ * I know that the adult fare for MUNI rose 25 cents to $1.50. Did the Bart transfer cost rise too, or is the savings now 50 cents?

Amtrak

EdwinSaada — 2005-09-23 14:19:36

$11, not 10 :(

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- * A one-way train ticket to Martinez costs $10	+ * A one-way train ticket to Martinez costs $10 (or $11 during summer)

Amtrak

JackHaskel — 2005-09-13 08:02:27

traveling to yosemite added

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	+ == Getting to Yosemite National Park == + Amtrak is a great way to get to Yosemite to have an ["adventures" adventure]. The trip requires a minimum of two transfers. Riders pick up the Amtrak bus at the Davis station, swing through Sacramento and then transfer to a train in Stockton. Disembarking in Merced, you will move a few steps on to a [http://yarts.com/ YARTS] bus that takes you to Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The morning YARTS bus is usually a tour bus for [http://www.grayline.com/ Grayline Tours] so you get to listen to the tour guide for free. The entire trip takes a minimum of 5 hours (6+ hours being typical if one has to wait for transfers). Included in the cost is the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle) which can be seen as a substantial discount to travel. Amtrak charges $41 (one way) if you book the entire trip through them. You can save money by purchasing the Amtrak and YARTS legs seperately. Amtrak to/from Merced costs $25 and the YARTS ride will set you back $10 for a savings of $6 each way. +

Amtrak

TarZxf — 2005-09-12 14:03:37

spelling of the Carquinez bridge

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- * Yeah but there's two bridges. You only pay at the Bay Bridge if you're crossing into San Francisco, not leaving it. The other bridge is the Carcanus later on.	+ * Yeah but there's two bridges. You only pay at the Bay Bridge if you're crossing into San Francisco, not leaving it. The other bridge is the Carquinez bridge later on.

Amtrak

AndreyGoder — 2005-09-12 09:44:08

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	+ * Ah, ok, going to the South Bay there is only one bridge.

Amtrak

EdwinSaada — 2005-09-12 09:19:56

totally forgot topic/page. sleepy. lemme alone.

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- * My gf lives in San Mateo, and 101 North sucks. I recommend not taking 101 North and not taking the Bay Bridge. Instead, cross the San Mateo Bridge and just follow 880N until you hit 80. You still get stuck in the Berkeley area, but you really skip the 101N and the Bay Bridge traffic. Especially horrible if there's an A's game or something going on. This detour of a trip (measured from the 92/101 interchange) is less then 10 added miles, but wayyy better in traffic conditions and time.	+

Amtrak

EdwinSaada — 2005-09-12 09:18:55

+reply, + my own advise.

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	+ * Yeah but there's two bridges. You only pay at the Bay Bridge if you're crossing into San Francisco, not leaving it. The other bridge is the Carcanus later on.
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	+ * My gf lives in San Mateo, and 101 North sucks. I recommend not taking 101 North and not taking the Bay Bridge. Instead, cross the San Mateo Bridge and just follow 880N until you hit 80. You still get stuck in the Berkeley area, but you really skip the 101N and the Bay Bridge traffic. Especially horrible if there's an A's game or something going on. This detour of a trip (measured from the 92/101 interchange) is less then 10 added miles, but wayyy better in traffic conditions and time.

Amtrak

AndreyGoder — 2005-09-12 09:12:24

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	+ * Aren't tolls only one way? They are for me, at least. -["AndreyGoder"]

Amtrak

CarlMcCabe — 2005-09-09 11:22:44

contextualizing the brownish flora

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- [[Thumbnail(amtrak_past_gardens.jpg, 360, right, "An Amtrak train rushes along the ["Train Tracks" tracks] past the ["Solano Park Gardens"].")]]	+ [[Thumbnail(amtrak_past_gardens.jpg, 360, right, "An Amtrak train rushes along the ["Train Tracks" tracks] past the ["Solano Park Gardens"]. Photo from September 2005.")]]

Amtrak

CarlMcCabe — 2005-09-09 11:20:52

yet another photo

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	+ [[Thumbnail(amtrak_past_gardens.jpg, 360, right, "An Amtrak train rushes along the ["Train Tracks" tracks] past the ["Solano Park Gardens"].")]] +
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- There are a couple different options for getting to ["San Francisco"] via Amtrak (which are both relatively the same price):	+ There are a couple different options for getting to ["San Francisco"] via Amtrak (which are both relatively the same price):
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- *It is $5.50 each way for the ferry and $17.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay.	+ *It is $5.50 each way for the ferry and $17.00 for the train, but it is an interesting trip that gives you a better view while crossing the bay.
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-	+
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- * In most automobiles, you're going to use 3 gallons of gas (@30mpg) each way (=$6), plus tolls ($3 each way). So, it is still cheaper to drive yourself. But it is usually faster to take the Train because of no traffic. And I'd usually pay the extra $6 to avoid Traffic. And actually if you're stuck in traffic, your Gas Mileage will be actually much worse. And if you drive a 5.7L V-8 Truck, it's more cost effective to take the train anyway. I just wish BART and Amtrak ran later. -["JaimeRaba" jr] - * If you're traveling on Amtrak, always plan to arrive at your destination 1/2 hour late. I don't know why it happens, but it does.--["KenBloom"]	+ * In most automobiles, you're going to use 3 gallons of gas (@30mpg) each way (=$6), plus tolls ($3 each way). So, it is still cheaper to drive yourself. But it is usually faster to take the Train because of no traffic. And I'd usually pay the extra $6 to avoid Traffic. And actually if you're stuck in traffic, your Gas Mileage will be actually much worse. And if you drive a 5.7L V-8 Truck, it's more cost effective to take the train anyway. I just wish BART and Amtrak ran later. -["JaimeRaba" jr] + * If you're traveling on Amtrak, always plan to arrive at your destination 1/2 hour late. I don't know why it happens, but it does.--["KenBloom"]
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- * If you're traveling on Amtrak from Davis to Oakland, you will surprisingly arrive about 10 minutes early at your destination. You can almost bet on it. I've taken this train route about 15 times now from october 2004 to april 2005. The only time it has been not early or late has been during bad weather (e.g. heavy rain).--["PatrickSing"]	+ * If you're traveling on Amtrak from Davis to Oakland, you will surprisingly arrive about 10 minutes early at your destination. You can almost bet on it. I've taken this train route about 15 times now from october 2004 to april 2005. The only time it has been not early or late has been during bad weather (e.g. heavy rain).--["PatrickSing"]

Amtrak

CarlMcCabe — 2005-09-09 11:20:19

Upload of image amtrak_past_gardens.jpg.

Amtrak

JasonAller — 2005-08-30 23:59:34

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- There are a couple different options for getting to San Francisco via Amtrak (which are both relatively the same price):	+ There are a couple different options for getting to ["San Francisco"] via Amtrak (which are both relatively the same price):

Amtrak

BrentLaabs — 2005-08-17 16:38:21

wiki:WikiPedia:AAA

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- Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases) are available through AAA and Student Advantage.	+ Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases) are available through [wiki:WikiPedia:American_Automobile_Association AAA] and Student Advantage.

Amtrak

AlphaDog — 2005-08-17 13:26:53

+formatting

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- \|\|840 ["2nd Street"] at the ["Train Station"] ["Downtown"] \|\|	+ \|\|840 ["2nd Street"] at the ["Train Station"] ["downtown"] \|\|
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- \|\|Station & Service, Ticketing, and [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081954181308&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FTitle_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy" Quik-Trak] Hours:\|\| - \|\|Monday-Friday: 4:15am - 11:33pm\|\| - \|\|Checked Baggage Hours:\|\| - \|\|Monday-Friday: 4:15 am - 11:15pm\|\|	+ \|\|'''Station & Service, Ticketing, and [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081954181308&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FTitle_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy" Quik-Trak] Hours:'''\|\| + \|\|Mon-Fri 4:15am-11:33pm\|\| + \|\|'''Checked Baggage Hours:'''\|\| + \|\|Mon-Fri 4:15am-11:15pm\|\|
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- \|\|[http://www.amtrak.com]\|\|	+ \|\|[http://www.amtrak.com amtrak.com]\|\|
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- Amtrak is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the Capitol Corridor. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have "free" ["WiFi"], but they might start charging. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. - Normal Prices from Davis:	+ '''Amtrak''' is one of the easiest ways to ["Transportation" get out] of ["Davis"] to ["Sacramento"] or the ["Bay Area"] via the Capitol Corridor. The Capitol Corridor is a commuter train with unreserved seating. Some of the cars now have "free" ["WiFi"], but they might start charging. Ticket prices jump during holidays (approximately $4). Additionally, prices during the summer go up by $1-$3 depending on the destination. Before boarding, passengers should buy tickets at the train station to avoid grumpy conductors and the extra 50% charge for buying tickets on board. If you board the train at a station that does not have an attendant, however, you will not be charged the extra 50% fee. Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination. + + [[TableOfContents]] + + == Typical Fares from Davis == + [updated summer 2005]
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	+ + Discounts (apply to 3 day advance purchases) are available through AAA and Student Advantage. + + == Getting to San Francisco ==
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-	+ == Leaving Northern California ==
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- Most Amtrak trains have bike racks so you can travel with your bike to and from your destination. - - Discounts (only applies to 3 day advance purchases): - * AAA - * Student Advantage - - Advice from fellow travelers:	+ == Advice from fellow travelers ==