Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will resume limited passenger service from San Diego through San Clemente beginning Wednesday morning. The service, which had been temporarily suspended due to weather-related issues, will now see the reinstatement of specific train routes, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

Train Routes Reinstated

Southbound Pacific Surfliner trains 562 (morning) and 784 (evening), as well as northbound Pacific Surfliner trains 765 (morning) and 587 (evening), will be fully reinstated without bus connections. Morning trains are scheduled to pass through the San Clemente area between 7-8 a.m., while evening trains will run through the area between 6-7 p.m.

Mid-day Service Status

OCTA has noted that mid-day train service will not yet resume. However, bus connections between Irvine and Oceanside will continue to be available for certain trains in an effort to provide passengers with connections around the closure.

Background and Suspension

Both Amtrak and Metrolink train services between San Diego and Los Angeles were temporarily suspended starting Wednesday, Jan. 24, after a major winter storm affected Southern California, particularly the San Diego region. The adverse weather conditions led to debris falling onto the rails in the San Clemente area, following a landslide near the tracks. OCTA has since been working on the construction of a catchment wall to prevent further incidents.

Safety Measures and Future Plans

After conducting a risk analysis involving professionals from Amtrak, OCTA, Metrolink, and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, it was determined that limited Pacific Surfliner service could safely resume. OCTA emphasized that while the resumption of morning and evening service will reduce the daily work window for construction, efforts are underway to complete the catchment wall by the end of the month. Once construction is finished, full passenger service is expected to resume.

For the latest updates on train service and construction related to this issue, passengers are encouraged to visit www.octa.net/railupdates.

Stay Informed for Smooth Travels

As Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service gradually resumes between San Diego and San Clemente, passengers should stay updated with the latest information regarding schedules and any ongoing construction. OCTA’s efforts to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail travel underscore the commitment to providing reliable transportation options for the community.

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