The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), and Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) has announced the start of a daily Pacific Surfliner roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.

The Pacific Surfliner stops at Amtrak station in Santa Barbara. (Courtesy photo)
The Pacific Surfliner stops at Amtrak station in Santa Barbara. (Courtesy photo)

The new service, which begins May 4, increases Pacific Surfliner frequencies to six daily trips to Goleta and three daily trips to San Luis Obispo, improving weekday commuter flexibility and regional connectivity between Los Angeles, Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, according to SBCAG.

“Expanding Pacific Surfliner service helps strengthen regional mobility and provides travelers with more convenient options along the Central Coast,” said Jason Jewell, managing director of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency.

“This new roundtrip improves connectivity across the corridor and offers riders a comfortable alternative to driving,” Jewell said.

Santa Barbara County leaders said the expanded service demonstrates investment in regional transportation and delivers on the voter-approved Measure A, a half-cent sales tax for transportation in Santa Barbara County.

“More rail service means more flexibility for how people move through our region,” said Marjie Kirn, SBCAG executive director. “With Measure A support, we’re delivering on what voters asked for — more options for commuting, school, and everyday travel.”

SBCAG in partnership with the South Coast Chamber of Commerce is hosting an employers forum event April 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta and informing local employers how to promote jobs and commuting options between Ventura County and Goleta.

For Ventura County residents and commuters, the expanded service provides additional travel flexibility between Ventura County and destinations throughout the corridor.

“This new roundtrip strengthens Ventura County’s connection to the broader Southern California rail network,” said Martin Erickson, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission.

“By providing more travel options during busy weekday travel periods, we’re making it easier for residents and workers to move throughout the region.” Erickson said.

The Pacific Surfliner service operates along a 351-mile coastal corridor connecting San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County.

To view updated schedules and plan trips, visit http://www.pacificsurfliner.com/goCentralCoast.