$27M Grant Will Up Amtrak Trips Between San Diego And Los Angeles

SAN DIEGO, CA — A $27 million grant from the Federal Rail Administration will pay for three additional passenger roundtrips daily on the Pacific Surfliner between San Diego and Los Angeles.

The grant will bring the Amtrak service on the LOSSAN rail corridor up to pre-COVID levels, with the intention of lessening crowding on trains between the two cities.

"This grant award will enable the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency to restore and enhance Pacific Surfliner rail service along this vital corridor, which will benefit a wide range of local communities," LOSSAN Agency Vice Chair and Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said in a statement.

"Increasing service levels significantly improves transportation options for residents, students, and visitors along the corridor, making train travel easier and more convenient."

The LOSSAN corridor, which includes six Southern California counties, is one of six rail corridors nationally awarded funds through the Federal Rail Administration's Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program.

The corridor is the country's second-busiest passenger rail line and serves six counties with nearly 20 million residents.

According to Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas. the state is providing matching funds.
"Having more frequent options to go between San Diego and Los Angeles by train, instead of sitting in traffic on the I-5 Freeway, is a major improvement for residents' quality of life throughout Southern California," Blakespear said. "With this grant, more people can travel conveniently on rail, and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor can continue to improve service, build ridership and strengthen its foundation."