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Took a quick trip on the Surfliner on Saturday, from LAUS to SBA. Trains were on time, quite full going north, less so going south. The conductor announced that the southbound train we took would be standing room only the next day, Sunday. Since we turned around so quickly we actually rode in the same car with the same crew both times. The trip takes about three hours. Coaches were clean, all have an electrical outlet at each pair of seats. The crew were friendly, seemed to be enjoying their jobs. I think they were doing some training as at times there were four of them in the one coach. The conductor was also good about announcing why we were stopped a few times. Strangely we had to wait for the sister train to pass heading north and again heading south. All together we had five coaches one of which was business class.
I used the Quik Trak machine in LA Union Station to print the tickets for this trip. However, the machine refused to even acknowledge that I had tickets for June to be printed. I had to get those from the agent. He indicated that one should never trust the machines and should always come to the ticket agent window. Job security? LAUS also does not yet have the new schedules. They said maybe in 2-3 weeks. I guess they are just a "backwater station".
Our efforts to make it an all Metro trip failed as the Blue Line (local electric rail) was closed with busing for two stops due to removal of railroad tracks in the path. That made timing too iffy so we drove to the station. Parking all day is $6 at LAUS, not too bad.
This trip gave me my railroad fix for now and in June we will do the big one, SWC, EB and CS.
Lastly - I was driving behind a small truck the other day, looked like it was in the air conditioning or heating business by the stuff in the back, and there was a large sign on the back "Bagpipes Wanted". I kid you not.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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I know a few bagpipers. One of them raises ponies!
Maybe he ought to consider moving west.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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I was on 8763 and 784 Saturday with our Train riders group and I must say the windows were so spotted that one couldn't take a clear picture through any on that train. It was pretty poor! Train was fun and we all had a good time.
Chris
Posts: 711 | From: Santa Ana | Registered: May 2003
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Haha, actually I took a quick trip to SBA on Saturday too! I took 775 up and 798 down. Cost to me was $0 as part of the Rail2Rail Weekend promotion. You made a smart move going on Saturday-this is the last weekend of spring break for UCSB and Cal Poly, and if you thought the train was full on Saturday, imagine the chaos today!
Posts: 286 | From: Knee deep in the retention tank | Registered: Jan 2006
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Thanks for the photos, Vicki. They brought back some happy memories. John
Posts: 41 | From: Yaxham, Norfolk, UK | Registered: Jul 2006
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