Rail company Amtrak recently rebranded a popular California line, combining rail and thruway bus service under one name: the Gold Runner.
The line, formerly called the San Joaquins line, operates along nearly the entire length of the state of California, stopping in famed destinations like Sacramento, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, and Lodi. The train also functions as a gateway and connection to both Yosemite National Park and the Mojave Desert.
The train will now operate seven daily round trips, which brings the service back to full strength, with connections available to several thruway bus routes.
The Gold Runner is the sixth busiest route for Amtrak, according to the rail company.
“Gold Runner represents more than a new name, it’s a symbol of our commitment to our passengers and California’s communities,” David Lipari, the interim executive director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, which partners with Amtrak to manage and grow the service, said in a statement. “This new identity captures the energy and optimism of our region while positioning us for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service. It reflects the spirit of partnership, innovation, and service that defines everything we do.”
In all, the Gold Runner line runs across more than a dozen train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, and connects to many more with transfers available to the popular Capitol Corridor and Pacific Surfliner lines. It also boasts dozens of bus connections, which serve favorite vacation spots like Napa and Santa Barbara.
Travelers interested in visiting the majestic giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park can also connect from the Gold Runner by taking a bus from the Merced station. The one-way bus ride takes approximately three hours to reach the park.
Additional trips possible from the train include exploring the California State Capitol in Sacramento; or heading to the city of Lodi, home to more than 85 wineries, a historic downtown, and more, according to Visit Lodi.
Along with the new name, Amtrak is celebrating the holidays with a BOGO sale, offering 50 percent off a coach ticket after the purchase of one full-price ticket. To take advantage, use the code “V302” when booking.
The Gold Runner isn’t the only Amtrak route getting an upgrade. The company’s Cascades service, which operates throughout the Northwest corridor, is getting a brand-new look complete with panoramic windows, additional table seating, a redesigned café car, and more.
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