The planned Metrolink train service from Ventura County to Santa Barbara has been canceled, ending a long-standing effort. The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN) will provide new train service, utilizing the popular Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, with service expected to begin as early as April 2026. Officials hope this new Pacific Surfliner service will ease traffic congestion on Highway 101, offering a viable Highway 101 alternative.
The Long Road to the Pacific Surfliner Service
The proposal for Metrolink service to the South Coast was nearly two decades in the making. Agencies like the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) worked on this project, aiming to bring a morning commuter train from Moorpark in Ventura County. This train would have made stops in Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Goleta. The original plan was for LOSSAN to subcontract with Metrolink for a pilot program intended to last one year, initially slated to begin in early 2025, before the Pacific Surfliner Service could be fully integrated.
Contract Delays Lead to Metrolink Cancellation, Paving Way for Pacific Surfliner Service
Several factors led to the cancellation of the Metrolink proposal. Contract delays significantly impacted the launch. Union Pacific owns the railroad tracks used for this route, and the railroad company could not review the Metrolink proposal due to its merger with Norfolk Southern Railway. Union Pacific indicated it would not review the proposal until early 2026, meaning the Metrolink service could not start as planned. These railway delays meant the Metrolink plan was always envisioned as a temporary measure until LOSSAN could implement its own expanded services. Aaron Bonfilio, director of rail and transit programs for SBCAG, cited these issues, as did Jason Jewell, managing director of LOSSAN, who stated that the prolonged negotiations negatively affected LOSSAN’s own service expansion plans. The LOSSAN board made the decision to cancel in November, clearing the path for the enhanced Pacific Surfliner service.
Pacific Surfliner Service Steps In to Enhance Regional Rail
LOSSAN will now operate the service directly, utilizing its popular Pacific Surfliner Amtrak trains. This decision follows LOSSAN receiving a $27 million grant for restoration and enhancement. The new Pacific Surfliner service is expected to start around April 2026. One proposed schedule shows a train arriving in Goleta at 8:11 a.m., with the return trip reaching Goleta around 2:35 p.m. The Pacific Surfliner route is the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail line in the nation, connecting Los Angeles and San Diego and serving cities like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Recently, Amtrak expanded Pacific Surfliner service, adding a 12th daily roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Diego. This popular service offers amenities like Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, underscoring the strength of this essential Amtrak service.
A New Chapter for Regional Rail with Enhanced Pacific Surfliner Service
The cancellation marks the end of a long pursuit for Metrolink service in the South Coast. However, the focus now shifts to enhancing the existing Pacific Surfliner service. This change is part of a broader effort to improve rail connectivity and the passenger experience across Southern California. The goal of reducing traffic on Highway 101 remains a priority, and this new Pacific Surfliner service from LOSSAN is expected to help achieve that goal by offering a reliable commuter train option. The transportation news signals a continued investment in the region’s rail network, with the Pacific Surfliner providing vital connections for many residents and tourists. The continuation and enhancement of this vital Amtrak service promise improved travel for many.
