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From what I can tell there has not (if ever) been a train from LA to Bakersfield. That seems odd to me. Why is all the service between the two cities by bus only? Seems like there would be a lot of interest in running the San Joaquins over the pass into the LA basin.
sbalax Member # 2801
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There were trains between LA and Bakersfield. I remember riding the San Joaquin Daylight once from Glendale to Oakland. We were supposed to ride the SP Ferry (this must have been in the mid to late '50's) to San Francisco but we were delayed when we hit a produce truck so they put us on busses across the bay.
Others here can tell you more. I don't know if Amtrak ever operated anything but busses.
Frank in GORGEOUS SBA.
George Harris Member # 2077
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When you ride the bus, look at the terrain. Railroads do not climb grades that steep, they eitehr tunnel through or go around. Also, look at a map of California showing railroads. You will see that there is a railroad line, but it is completely different from the highway alignment and much longer. If I recall correctly, when there was passenger service between Bakersfield and Los Angeles it took about 6 hours becuase the route was round about, curvey, and steep. Tonight I will look at an old Official Guide and be more s pecific.
George
Railroad Bob Member # 3508
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Mr. Harris is right as rain...the running time is at least as long as he says, and that is with clear signals. Sure, railfans would love the ride over the Tehachapi Loop, but few others would with time issues. I rode over it once by rail in 1988, on the special Charter train for the Mike Dukakis Presidential campaign that the Dems rented from Amtrak. I worked as a Coach Attendant. It was a great assignment and fantastic ride. I can tell you there were some mightily surprised railfans at the Loop that day, seeing this beautiful long silver train with four spotless F-40s (I believe.) Security was tight regarding that train, and most didn't even know it was coming. The bus does the run in a little over 2 hours, compared to 5 or 6 by rail at best. Hope this helps...
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