The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner has added cars to each of its 10 daily trains serving Santa Barbara County, providing roughly 2,000 additional seats to address increased travel demand following the recent mudslides near Montecito that forced the closure of Highway 101.
Rail service resumed on Jan. 11, and since that reopening the Pacific Surfliner has been the primary transportation link between Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Alternate driving routes can require significantly more time — often up to four hours — while the train trip typically takes about 45 minutes.
Even with the added cars and capacity, high ridership is expected to continue. Amtrak advises passengers to anticipate crowded trains and potential delays, especially where emergency crews are working on or near the railroad in the affected areas.