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Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Service Update

In a significant transit adjustment, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner announced the temporary suspension of train services operating north of Goleta Station. This change, effective from August 1 to August 16, 2025, is necessitated by a crucial bridge replacement project on the La Cañada Honda bridge, which is an essential structure for the California rail corridor.

The La Cañada Honda bridge, a historically significant steel structure above Honda Creek in Santa Barbara County, has been serving the region for an impressive 127 years. This bridge plays a critical role in the overall functionality of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor, a foundational infrastructure that supports both passenger and freight rail services across several counties.

The outage highlights the ongoing efforts by the LOSSAN Agency to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail services, aligning with broader sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions by improving operational efficiency. The bridge replacement is crucial not only for improving reliability but also for future service expansions, reducing travel times for passengers, and eliminating existing speed restrictions.

Service Changes During the Suspension

From August 1 to August 16, 2025, the following service alterations will be in effect:
1. Rail Closure: Train services between Goleta and San Luis Obispo will be entirely suspended. During this period, trains will only operate to and from Goleta Station.
2. Bus Connection: To facilitate passenger travel during this closure, alternative bus services will be provided. These buses will connect Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo and will serve key stops along the way, including locations such as the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Solvang, Buellton, and Santa Maria. Passengers needing to travel north of Goleta will disembark at the Santa Barbara train station and transition to the bus service.
3. Bus Schedule: The bus services will follow the Number 17 route, which connects Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo and will operate according to its regular schedule during this period.

The LOSSAN Agency acknowledges the inconvenience these necessary changes may cause to travelers and is committed to ensuring smooth transitions via the provided bus system. Travelers are encouraged to check the Pacific Surfliner website for further updates and additional information regarding these service changes.

About Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service operates along the 351-mile rail route, which connects key cities including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, serving 29 stations along its path. It stands as one of the busiest intercity passenger rail lines in the United States, linking numerous communities through a reliable transit option.

About LOSSAN Agency

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers agency committed to enhancing and optimizing the performance of the rail services within the LOSSAN corridor. It encompasses collaborative efforts among rail operators, owners, and planning bodies to boost ridership, operational flexibility, and safety across the rail network. Since signing an inter-agency transfer agreement with the State of California in July 2015, LOSSAN has taken on the management responsibilities of the Pacific Surfliner service.

For more detailed information and to plan your journey, visit PacificSurfliner.com.